Eye care professionals' attitudes, beliefs, and perceived barriers regarding intervention with tobacco using patients
| Ophthalmologists (n=422) (%) | Optometrists (n=629) (%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Demographics | ||
| Years in practice | 23 (SD 11.33) | 16 (SD 11.23) |
| Sex | 85% male | 72% male |
| Tobacco related behaviours: “How often do you . . .” | ||
| Ask patients about tobacco use? | 71 | 38 |
| Sometimes advise patients to quit tobacco? | 91 | 81 |
| Regularly advise patients to quit tobacco? | 30 | 16 |
| Provide educational materials on the ocular effects of tobacco use? | 5 | 6 |
| Barriers to intervening with smokers | ||
| Lack of time | 83 | 70 |
| Lack of patient materials | 67 | 79 |
| Lack of training | 64 | 78 |
| Lack of referral resources | 63 | 76 |
| Concerns about effectiveness | 63 | 69 |
| Concerns about patient resistance or loss | 61 | 72 |
| Lack of reimbursement mechanism | 57 | 52 |
| Concerns about office staff resistance | 32 | 40 |
| Attitudes about intervening with smokers | ||
| Believe it is appropriate for them to document patients' tobacco use | 81 | 69 |
| Believe it is appropriate for them to advise patients to quit tobacco | 82 | 71 |
| Interested in learning new ways to help patients quit tobacco | 74 | 80 |