Smoking cessation counseling practices: a survey of Alabama obstetrician-gynecologists.
BACKGROUND
Minimal interventions delivered by obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) to their pregnant patients who smoke could result in a substantial decrease in smoking during pregnancy. We examined performance and motivation levels of Alabama OB-GYNs for engaging in clinical practices based on National Cancer Institute (NCI) guidelines.


METHODS
Questionnaires assessing attitudes, intentions, and behaviors specified by the NCI's "4-A" model (ask, advise, assist, and arrange follow-up) were mailed to all OB-GYNs licensed in Alabama.


RESULTS
A total of 130 physicians completed the questionnaire. Nearly all reported that they ask (93%) and advise (90%) their patients who smoke to quit; however, significantly fewer reported that they assist (28%) or arrange follow-up (24%) with their pregnant patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Interventions are needed to motivate, support, and guide OB-GYN physicians to assist and follow-up with their pregnant patients who smoke.
Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294-0022, USA.
D M
DM
Grimley
J M
JM
Bellis
J M
JM
Raczynski
K
K
Henning
D000328:Adult; D000407:Alabama; D003376:Counseling / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010819:Physician's Role; D011247:Pregnancy; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires