Barriers to the provision of smoking cessation assistance: a qualitative study among Romanian family physicians.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Smoking cessation is the most effective intervention to prevent and slow down the progression of several respiratory and other diseases and improve patient outcomes. Romania has legislation and a national tobacco control programme in line with the World Health Organization Framework for Tobacco Control. However, few smokers are advised to quit by their family physicians (FPs).

Aim

To identify and explore the perceived barriers that prevent Romanian FPs from engaging in smoking cessation with patients.

Methods

A qualitative study was undertaken. A total of 41 FPs were recruited purposively from Bucharest and rural areas within 600 km of the city. Ten FPs took part in a focus group and 31 participated in semistructured interviews. Analysis was descriptive, in

SUBMITTER: Panaitescu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4373378 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature