To assess the preparedness of primary care physicians in terms of their knowledge, attitude, beliefs, and confidence regarding smoking cessation in Gilgit.

BACKGROUND

Tobacco smoking poses a great threat to the healthcare system both in developed and developing countries due to its health hazard. Healthcare professionals and in particular physicians can play an effective role in encouraging people to quit smoking which will ultimately improve the overall health of their patients and hence prolong their lives.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Data were collected from physicians from public and private hospitals that included Aga khan Health Services in Gilgit, Ghizer, and Hunza, District health quarter Hospitals in Gilgit, Hunza, and Ghizer, Sehat foundation between 1 December, 2021, and 30 May, 2022. A precoded questionnaire was filled which assessed the knowledge, attitude, practices, beliefs, and confidence of physicians in smoking cessation.

RESULTS

The mean age of physicians was 35.4 ± 9.11 years, of which 64.7% (n = 66) were males and 10.8% (n = 11) were current smokers. 23.5% (n = 24) of physicians had received formal training on smoking cessation ( value 0.002). 55.5% (n = 57) were unsure that Bupropion helps in quitting smoking and only 23.5% (n = 24) reported that they are very well prepared for counselling, whereas 42.2% (n = 44) were unsure how to assess smoker's different stages of readiness to quit.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that physicians of Gilgit Baltistan have sound knowledge about the adverse effects of smoking, but they are not confident in prescribing medication due to unaware of different methods of treatment available for smoking cessation.