Study of Physicians’ Qualification and Training Impact in Smoking Clinics in Primary Healthcare Centres for Smokers to Quit in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Smoking presents a major health threat in Saudi Arabia. Apart from reducing the quality of life among individuals, addiction to nicotine is linked to high rates of lung cancer and other devastating health conditions. Physicians play a critical role in helping patients to quit smoking. However, despite their central, these practitioners lack the proper training in smoking cessation that can help them to improve the quality of services they deliver to patients. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of physicians’ training among practitioners working in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCC) in anti-smoking clinics around Saudi Arabia. To achieve this aim, the researcher employed a cross-sectional online survey. A questionnaire was sent to 20 physicians working in Riyadh city PHCC anti-smoking clinics, and the study achieved a 55% response rate. The findings indicated that anti-smoking clinics focused on pharmacological approaches in physician training, and physicians rarely employed behavioural therapy. Similarly, apart from the Saudi Tobacco Treatment Manual, doctors were not provided with additional material on smoking cessation. The study concludes that physicians need to receive training in behavioural therapy, and they should pair this approach with pharmacological treatment during practice.