Abstract

LEON SALAS, Angie; RICHTER, Kimber; CUPERTINO, A. Paula  and  SHIREMAN, Theresa I.. Costa Rican pharmacists’ participation and opinions on smoking cessation. Rev. costarric. salud pública [online]. 2012, vol.21, n.1, pp.03-08. ISSN 1409-1429.

Objective: To describe Costa Rican pharmacists’ involvement in brief interventions for smoking cessation, evaluate attitudes towards tobacco use, assess interest in tobacco training, and identify barriers to providing cessation services. Methods: An email with a link to an on-line survey was distributed among all Costa Rican pharmacists. This analysis includes responses of those reporting having direct contact with patients. Results: A total of 245 (11,4 %) pharmacists contacted via e-mail completed the survey. Approximately half reported they had asked about smoking status and provided advice to quit smoking to at least one patient in the previous 30 days. However, few had referred a smoker for cessation treatment. Most pharmacists (53,2 %) believed cessation counseling was effective; however, only half discussed smoking in response to questions from patients. Nearly all participants were interested in receiving training in smoking cessation treatment. Conclusion: Costa Rican pharmacists support, but most do not implement, smoking cessation assistance among patients. Qualitative and quantitative research could help identify the best role for Costa Rican pharmacists to fill in treating smokers. Pharmacist intervention could be facilitated by culturally adapted guidelines that take into account existing treatment options and the structure of the Costa Rican health care system.

Keywords : Tobacco Use Cessation; Questionnaires; Electronic mail; Costa Rica.

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