Developing a Sustainable Model for Tobacco Cessation by Integrating Dental Professionals: An Evaluation of a Capacity Building Intervention in Pondicherry, India.

BACKGROUND &

OBJECTIVES

Tobacco use is the primary reason for preventable deaths. Reducing tobacco use among the general population is pivotal in decreasing the burden of non-communicable diseases, and dentists are in a unique position to provide tobacco cessation services.

METHODS

This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) enrolled 78 dentists engaged in private practice at Puducherry for more than one year. Participants were randomly assigned to either Intervention group who received a capacity building intervention and control group that received posters on the 5As of tobacco cessation. Baseline and post intervention assessments measured knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, practice behaviours and barriers related to tobacco cessation counselling using ProSCiTE tool.

RESULTS

The analysis was done by intention to treat and per protocol methods. Difference in Differences (DID) analysis was performed to compare the change between the study groups using independent t-test. No significant differences in knowledge and attitude were observed, but improvement was seen in scores of self-efficacy [Mean difference 2.72 (-1.55 to 6.98)] and practice behavior [Mean difference 3.49 (-1.35 to 8.32)] after the intervention.

CONCLUSION

Tailored training programs and evidence-based guidelines could address identified barriers and empower dentists to play a more impactful role in tobacco cessation efforts, contributing to just and sustainable healthcare systems.