Knowledge & Practice of Tobacco Cessation Counseling

Tobacco use remains one of the most significant preventable public health challenges worldwide, contributing to numerous non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses.

In Bangladesh, primary healthcare facilities include dedicated NCD corners staffed with trained nurses who provide screening and counseling services. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, have a unique opportunity to contribute to tobacco control by offering cessation counseling, which can significantly reduce tobacco-related morbidity and mortality.

Despite the availability of WHO-endorsed tobacco cessation protocols and training, the extent to which nurses effectively implement counseling practices remains unclear. This study assesses their knowledge, skills, and barriers to develop interventions strengthening primary healthcare settings.

Methodology & Scope

This study employed a mixed-methods approach. The quantitative component involved structured interviews with 328 registered nurses trained in NCD care, working across 55 Upazila Health Complexes (UHCs) in eight administrative divisions. The survey evaluated knowledge of health hazards, cessation practices, and application of the 5A approach.

Qualitatively, ten Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and observational visits were conducted to identify real-world challenges. Findings revealed significant gaps: limited training opportunities, staff shortages, and time constraints were highlighted as key barriers restricting effective tobacco cessation scaling.