Open AccessPediatric otolaryngologists' actions regarding secondhand smoke exposure: Pilot data suggest an opportunity to enhance tobacco intervention
Author(s) -
Mueller Darryl T.,
Collins Bradley N.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1016/j.otohns.2008.05.002
Subject(s) - secondhand smoke , medicine , logistic regression , intervention (counseling) , demographics , environmental health , tobacco use , family medicine , cross sectional study , descriptive statistics , nursing , demography , pathology , population , statistics , mathematics , sociology
OBJECTIVE To assess pediatric otolaryngologists' training, actions, and attitudes with respect to patients exposed to secondhand smoke. STUDY DESIGN Cross‐sectional survey. SUBJECTS Pediatric otolaryngologists and senior residents. METHODS An anonymous, Web‐based survey of pediatric oloaryngologists was designed to capture demographics, tobacco‐specific education, actions, and attitudes. Responses were analyzed descriptively and entered into logistic regression models to determine predictors of adherence to the basic tenets of the general pediatrics secondhand smoke exposure‐prevention guidelines. RESULTS One hundred‐fifteen US physicians completed the survey. Descriptive analysis revealed low levels of training and low levels of tobacco‐specific intervention among respondents. Logistic regression models showed that greater tobacco‐specific knowledge/education and fewer perceived barriers predicted greater adherence to the basic tenets of the pediatrics guidelines. CONCLUSION Our pilot study provides preliminary evidence that can guide specific improvements in tobacco‐intervention training for pediatric otolaryngologists and residents.