Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Study of Smoking and Smoking Cessation Program Among Doctors in Baghdad, Al-Karkh

Abstract

Background: Tobacco smoking is a major cause of preventable morbidities and mortality, and it is the second major cause of death and the fourth most common risk factor for disease worldwide. Physicians can play a key role in smoking cessation by advising a smoker to quit and serving as role models for healthy behaviors by not smoking.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 1^st of October 2023 to 1^st of July 2024, using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey for doctors. The sample included 200 doctors and 120 dentists who participated. Data analysis was done on a personal computer (PC) using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) V.22. Socio-demographic variables were described using descriptive statistics, tables, and figures. Significant associations between variables were determined by the chi-square test. A p-value < 0.05 was assumed to indicate significance.

Results: In this study, 19.38% of doctors were smokers and 5% were ex-smokers, with significant gender differences (males: 43% and females: 6%). Most smokers were between 36 and 45 years, but most doctors started smoking in college. 52% started smoking due to stress. 71% of smokers smoked for over 10 years. Most participants knew about smoking's dangers and the cessation programme. Doctors struggled to advise patients to quit smoking due to time (37.5%) and patient desire (35%).

Conclusion: One in five doctors smoked, according to our findings. Men predominate in smoking, and smokers are aware of health and environmental risks.  In Ex-smokers, the causes of quit are mostly to quit addiction and maintain their health. Most participants knew about primary health care center smoking cessation programs (SCP), but only one-third knew Iraqi smoking laws.