Danavanthi Bangera1, Mohamed Takana2, Jayakumary Muttappallymyalil3. 1. Gulf Medical Hospital & Research Centre, Ajman, United Arab Emirates. 2. Al Madina Primary Health Care Centre, Ajman, United Arab Emirates. 3. Department of Community Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tobacco use has profound health consequences globally. Dentists with positive attitudes towards tobacco cessation counselling show minimal involvement in practice. AIMS: To assess the attitude and practice of dentists in the Northern United Arab Emirates towards tobacco cessation advice. METHODS: An interviewer-administered, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 250 dentists practicing in the Northern Emirates in 2015. Statistical analysis was performed with the χ2 test and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Around 88% of dentists exhibited good attitudes but only 37% had good practice of providing tobacco cessation advice to their patients. Nationality, level of education, total duration of practice and personal use of tobacco were significantly associated with attitude towards tobacco cessation. Nonusers of tobacco showed an odds ratio of 3.12 (95% confidence interval: 1.18-8.20) towards good attitude. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the surveyed dentists had a good attitude towards provision of tobacco cessation advice, but comparatively suboptimal practice was observed. We recommend providing training to the dentists on the methods and techniques of tobacco cessation.
BACKGROUND: Tobacco use has profound health consequences globally. Dentists with positive attitudes towards tobacco cessation counselling show minimal involvement in practice. AIMS: To assess the attitude and practice of dentists in the Northern United Arab Emirates towards tobacco cessation advice. METHODS: An interviewer-administered, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 250 dentists practicing in the Northern Emirates in 2015. Statistical analysis was performed with the χ2 test and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Around 88% of dentists exhibited good attitudes but only 37% had good practice of providing tobacco cessation advice to their patients. Nationality, level of education, total duration of practice and personal use of tobacco were significantly associated with attitude towards tobacco cessation. Nonusers of tobacco showed an odds ratio of 3.12 (95% confidence interval: 1.18-8.20) towards good attitude. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the surveyed dentists had a good attitude towards provision of tobacco cessation advice, but comparatively suboptimal practice was observed. We recommend providing training to the dentists on the methods and techniques of tobacco cessation.
Authors: Ruwan Duminda Jayasinghe; P R Jayasooriya; Hemantha Amarasinghe; Pvks Hettiarachchi; Bsms Siriwardena; Ukygdm Wijerathne; S K Kithalawarachchi; W M Tilakaratne Journal: Asian Pac J Cancer Prev Date: 2021-04-01