Perception and Attitude of Maxillofacial Surgeons towards in-Clinic Counselling on Tobacco Cessation in Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria

Cigarettes and other forms of tobacco are known to be highly addictive, the use and production of which are on the rise. Tobacco use is a risk factor in the development of diseases especially oral cancer, affects negatively wound healing in maxillofacial surgical procedure, and periodontal therapies. Therefore, the need for tobacco cessation programs on patients among Maxillofacial surgeons and the trainees is necessary.Objectives- This is to assess the perception, attitude, and the influence of age, gender, duration of practice, and environment/religion on the cessation counseling carried out by Oral & Maxillofacial surgeonsMethods- A prospective questionnaire-based study. A survey was carried out by sending validated, structured self-administered pretested questionnaires to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery trainees and specialists in tertiary hospitals in different parts (North, South, and West) of Nigeria. The questionnaire assessed perceptions and attitudes- of the respondent, as well as the influence of age, gender, duration of practice, and environment/religion on in-clinic tobacco cessation.Results- A total of 44 individuals participated in the study. More respondents from senior registrars 19(43%), and with the majority from the Teaching Hospital 33(75%) out of the three cadres of institutions where the survey was done. Male to female ratio of respondents was 1:2.1, with the mean age of the participants 36.7. All agreed to the need for tobacco cessation counseling among Oral & Maxillofacial surgeons, only 37(84.1%) believe that in-clinic counseling will significantly reduce the prevalence of oral cancer. Age groups, sex, religion, designation, and the years in practice have a significant relationship with the participant perception-related question p=0.001, as well the like use of religious and professional techniques in counseling smokers (p<0.05). The gender of study participants had a significant influence on their perception of the need for in-clinic tobacco cessation counseling.Conclusion- Tobacco cessation program within the health institutions is tested and an affirmed avenue to stop or reduce the associated risk factors with substance use. Therefore, need for policymakers in health sectors to organize training programs for Maxillofacial surgeons.Key words: Oral & Maxillofacial surgeons, Tobacco cessation, attitude, and perceptions, in-clinic counseling.