ABSTRACT
One of the major barriers to smoking cessation practice is that many health professionals do not have the knowledge and skills on how to intervene. To assess the effect of a training program on physicians' knowledge about tobacco dependence and cessation interventions. Subjects and Methods: A comprehensive training program was given to internal medicine residents in Cairo University Hospitals, Egypt during 2008-2009. An anonymous, 11-item questionnaire was administered before and after the training program. The training process was evaluated by participants' satisfaction using a 13-item checklist. The objective of the study was adequately explained to participants and their consensus was obtained with assured confidentiality. A total of 163 internists entered the training program. Improvement in overall knowledge was evidenced by higher mean score in the post-test than pre-test [6.2 vs. 4.7 ; p<0.001]. Significant improvement were seen in the participants' knowledge related to assessment of tobacco dependence [61% vs. 27%; p<0.001], interventions for smokers willing to quit [51.6 vs. 28.2%; p<0.001], interventions for smokers unwilling to quit [40.8 vs. 19.6%; p<0.001] and coping skills to handle withdrawal symptoms [52.9 vs. 30.7; p<0.001]. Almost all participants reported that the training was very useful [96%] and applicable [85.6%] in their medical practices. Targeted training of health professionals has a potential to translate into improved smoking cessation counseling and to increase their inclination to intervene. Policy message: Continued medical education and regular/targeted training of health providers should be done