Pharmacist-led smoking cessation: The attitudes and practices of community pharmacists in Lagos state, Nigeria: A mixed methods survey
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Date
2016
Authors
Odukoya, OO
Poluyi, E
Aina, B
Ejekam, C
Faseru, B
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
1)Tobacco Prevention Cessation. 2)Tob. Prev. Cessation
Abstract
Introduction:
Community pharmacists are well-positioned to support smoking cessation particularly in low and middle income countries. This study aims to assess the attitudes, barriers and pattern of pharmacist-led smoking cessation services and explore the factors associated with the willingness to offer smoking cessation services.
Methods:
A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out using qualitative and quantitative methods. Two hundred and forty two community pharmaceutical premises were randomly selected and interviewed. In addition, one Focus Group Discussion was carried out among nine members of the state branch of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria in Lagos state.
Results:
Approximately 92% had ever encountered smokers in the course of their work however only 49.6% had ever inquired of their smoking status and 49.1% had offered some form of cessation support. Only 44% had NRT’s available within their pharmaceutical premises. Majority (68.5%) were willing to offer smoking cessation services in their premises however only 44.6% had ever received any prior training on tobacco cessation. Those who believed that pharmacists had the required training to offer smoking cessation services were more willing to provide these services. Qualitative findings also revealed that majority felt they had a unique role to play in providing tobacco cessation services.
Conclusions:
These pharmacists were willing to provide smoking cessation services within their practice, however they may require specific training to do so effectively. In developing guidelines for community based smoking cessation, it is recommended that pharmacists be engaged and trained for the provision of smoking cessation services within the community.
Description
Keywords
smoking cessation, Nigeria,community pharmacist
Citation
25. Odukoya OO, Poluyi E, Aina B, Ejekam C, Faseru B. Pharmacist-led smoking cessation: The attitudes and practices of community pharmacists in Lagos state, Nigeria: A mixed methods survey. Tobacco Prevention Cessation. 2016 January; 2. Tob. Prev. Cessation 2016;2(January):2. DOI: http://www.dx.doi.org/10.18332/tpc/61546