Technology-based Tobacco Cessation Training in Indian Context

ABSTRACT

In tobacco use disorders (TUDs), technology-based training of health-care professionals can reduce the treatment gap and bring attitudinal change. The study aimed to assess the practices and determine the change in knowledge and attitude among health-care professionals following an online training program (OTP). Half-day OTP on tobacco cessation using prepost quasi-experimental study design with a structured questionnaire?based assessment was conducted. Among 293 completed surveys, knowledge post?OTP was higher but insignificant (P = 1.2). Post?OTP, participants felt less angry and disappointed toward tobacco users(mean of difference (MOD) =0.21, P = 0.0007); more sympathetic and concerned (MOD = ?0.22, P = 0.0005); and acknowledged tobacco users deserve the same medical care as nonusers (MOD = ?0.177, P = 0.001). Post?OTP scores in attitudes did not change significantly for the responsibility domain (P < 0.05). In practice, relatively greater number of health-care professionals asked about tobacco use and advised cessation, however lesser assessed, assisted, and referred. To conclude, technology-based training program can result in attitudinal changes toward tobacco users.