A Pilot Study to Assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Among Healthcare Practitioners in India Regarding Tobacco Use and Cessation

Abstract

Background: Article 14 of the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)
recommends appropriate ‘demand reduction measures concerning tobacco dependence and cessation’, which includes,
among others, “2(b) …. diagnosis and treatment of tobacco dependence and counseling services on cessation of tobacco
use in national health and education programs, plans and strategies, with the participation of health workers, community
workers and social workers as appropriate”. The role of healthcare professionals (HCPs) is critical in demand reduction
strategies in the domain of tobacco dependence, control and cessation. Objective: This study was undertaken to assess the
prevalent knowledge, attitude and practices among the HCPs on tobacco use and cessation. Methods: Three groups of HCPs
namely, medical doctors, dentists and nurses were requested to participate in the survey using a questionnaire in online and
offline mode. Results: Significant deficiencies of knowledge, attitude and practice, in all three groups of HCPs covered in the
study were found in the domain of tobacco and tobacco cessation. Conclusions: The findings of this pilot study highlight
existence of a significant policy and practice gap in India among the HCPs’ approach to tobacco cessation. Strengthening
their knowledge base on tobacco, harm reduction principles and tobacco cessation practices has the potential to enhance
the rate of tobacco cessation. This can aid the ongoing national effort in tobacco control to reduce the massive disease and
death burden in India from current tobacco use.