Smoking cessation delivery by general practitioners in Crete, Greece

Charis Girvalaki, Sophia Papadakis, Constantine Vardavas, Eleni Petridou, Andrew Pipe, Christos Lionis, Anastasiou Fotini, Kounalakis Dimitrios, Makri Kornilia, Meramveliotakis Emmanouil, Papamastorakis Emmanouil, Pateli Rodanthi, Petraki Chrisa, Prokopiadou Dimitra, Stefanaki Ioanna, Symvoulakis Emmanouil, Tsakountakis Nikolaos, Tsiligianni Ioanna, Vasilaki Aggeliki, Vasilopoulos Theodoros

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background Tobacco dependence treatment in clinical settings is of prime public health importance, especially in Greece, a country experiencing one of the highest rates of tobacco use in Europe. Methods Our study aimed to examine the characteristics of tobacco users and document rates of tobacco treatment delivery in general practice settings in Crete, Greece. A cross-sectional sample of patients (n = 2, 261) was screened for current tobacco use in 25 general practices in Crete, Greece in 2015/16. Current tobacco users completed a survey following their clinic appointment that collected information on patient characteristics and rates at which the primary care physician delivered tobacco treatment using the evidence-based 4 A's (Ask, Advise, Assist, Arrange) model during their medical appointment and over the previous 12-month period. Multi-level modeling was used to analyze data and examine predictors of 4 A's delivery. Results Tobacco use prevalence was 38% among all patients screened. A total of 840 tobacco users completed the study survey [mean age 48.0 (SD 14.5) years, 57.6% male]. Approximately, half of the tobacco users reported their general practitioner 'asked' about their tobacco use and 'advised' them to quit smoking. Receiving 'assistance' with quitting (15.7%) and 'arranging' follow-up support (<3%) was infrequent. Patient education, presence of smoking-related illness, a positive screen for anxiety or depression and the type of medical appointment were associated with 4 A's delivery. Conclusion Given the fundamental importance of addressing tobacco treatment, increasing the rates of 4 A's treatment in primary care settings in Greece is an important target for improving patient care.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)542-547
Number of pages6
JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health
Volume28
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2018

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Smoking cessation delivery by general practitioners in Crete, Greece'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this