Abstract
Barriers associated with the sparse engagement of general practitioners (GPs) in lifestyle counseling are well investigated. The aim of the study was (a) to explore to what extent smoking patients want to discuss about lifestyle; and (b) to investigate whether patient characteristics might influence the expectations to discuss smoking, alcohol, nutrition, or physical activity. Data were collected during the 24-month follow-up of a smoking cessation efficacy study. Participants were 1,029 patients. More than half of the patients expected that their GP should address smoking, alcohol, and nutrition in a proactive way. Patients who preferred to address the issue of smoking, alcohol, nutrition, and physical activity only for themselves were more likely to be female. Older patients were more likely to reject a discussion concerning these three lifestyle habits in general. Regarding smoking and alcohol, higher age predicted a lower readiness to use an extra appointment. There are some reservations among several patient groups to accept a GP-initiated offer for a discussion about lifestyle habits. Therefore, the improvement of skills and a high sensitivity to address lifestyle habits conveniently can have a large effect on public health.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Health Communication |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Pages (from-to) | 135-147 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| ISSN | 1081-0730 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 02.2011 |
Funding
The study was reviewed by the local ethical committee. All ethical safeguards were noted. There are no perceived conflicts of financial interests related to the research reported in this article. All authors have participated sufficiently in the work and will take public responsibility for the content. The study, as part of the Research Collaboration on Early Substance Use Intervention, has been funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Grant No. 01EB0120, 01EB0420), the Social Ministry of the State of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (Grant No. IX311a406.68.43.05), the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation, and the German Research Foundation (Grant No. JO150/6-1).
Research Areas and Centers
- Academic Focus: Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM)
