The TAMARA II Trial. Smoking Among Physicians in Argentina

pp. 223-232

Abstract

Background: Smoking is the leading cause of preventable morbidity and death. It is important to know the characteristics of smoking habits among physicians and their attitude toward patients who smoke.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of smoking among physicians in Argentina, the factors as sociated with tobacco consumption and their attitude toward patients who smoke.

Methods: An observational cross- sectional study was performed between June and December 2013 in Argentine physicians of different specialties. Using a structured survey, the following variables were analyzed: associated cardiovascular risk factors, characteristics of tobacco consumption, smoking cessation training and the attitude toward the patient who smokes.

Results: 3033 physicians were surveyed; 57% were men and mean age was 41.3±12 years; 19.7% were current smokers and 21.7% were former smokers. The probability of being a smoker was higher among surgeons (OR 1.29) or physicians working at the emergency room (OR 1.41). Undergraduate and postgraduate tobacco cessation training was achieved by 36.6% and 40.8% of physicians, respectively. Young physicians, clinical specialties or private practice were associated with higher level of training. Tobacco cessation counseling was more frequent in physicians with higher level of training than physicians who smoked or surgeons. Former smokers presented higher prevalence of risk factors and cardiovascular events. Family history of smoking habit was more common in former smokers and current smokers.

Conclusions: The prevalence of smoking among Argentine physicians is high. Different factors are involved in the probability of smoking, tobacco cessation training or the possibility of medical counseling. Higher level of training in smoking cessation must be provided.