Smoking prevention and primary physician's and patient's characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To describe relationships between primary physician and patient characteristics and the approach to prevention and quitting of smoking. METHODS: A questionnaire composed of descriptions of cases and clinic activities was given to primary physicians. RESULTS: Fewer smoking physicians use written materials, yet former smokers more often recommend smoking cessation groups. Greatest efforts are invested in high-risk patients. However, former smokers invest greater efforts among youth and pregnant women. Workload and patient's main complaint exert great influence on raising the subject. CONCLUSIONS: The various attitudes of physicians emphasize the importance of physician education that should be according to their smoking habits.