Evaluation of nicotine dependence and smoking cessation counseling approaches among primary care physicians in Edirne

This study aimed to assess the smoking status and levels of nicotine dependence among family physicians working in the province of Edirne, and to evaluate their approaches to smoking cessation counseling. Designed as a descriptive and cross-sectional study, it included 111 physicians who fully completed the survey, out of a total of 135 actively practicing family physicians in the province. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, smoking habits, and perspectives on smoking cessation counseling. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence was used to assess addiction levels. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 25; license number: L-GLBC-8TMLRX). A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among the participants, 59.5% were male and 40.5% were female, with a mean age of 46.1 ± 9.2 years. In terms of smoking behavior, 31.5% were current smokers, 28% were former smokers, and 40.5% had never smoked. The average The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence score among current smokers was 3.3 ± 2.5. Regarding nicotine dependence, 54.3% were classified as having low dependence, 34.3% moderate, and 11.4% high dependence. Smoking was more prevalent among male physicians compared to their female counterparts. Additionally, 62.9% of smokers expressed an intention to quit. A majority of participants (63.1%) reported feeling inadequate in providing smoking cessation counseling. This inadequacy was particularly common among physicians who had not received relevant training, suggesting that education positively influences perceived competence in counseling. Most physicians agree that primary care is a suitable setting for smoking cessation interventions. However, time limitations and insufficient training during medical education were cited as key barriers to delivering effective counseling services. In conclusion, tobacco dependence remains one of the most significant preventable contributors to the global disease burden, demanding targeted and effective intervention. Primary healthcare represents the most accessible and sustainable platform for delivering smoking cessation support. The effectiveness of these interventions is closely linked to the physician's knowledge, clinical proficiency, and counseling skills. Therefore, implementing standardized counseling protocols supported by comprehensive training programs and enhancing physicians' competencies in this field will significantly strengthen primary care's role in tobacco control. Keywords: nicotine dependence, family medicine, smoking cessation counseling, professional training