Pharmacist-led smoking cessation: The attitudes and practices of community pharmacists in Lagos state, Nigeria: A mixed methods survey

INTRODUCTION Community pharmacists are well-positioned to support smoking cessation particularly in low and middle income countries. This study aims to assess the attitudes, barriers and pattern of pharmacist-led smoking cessation services and explore the factors associated with the willingness to offer smoking cessation services. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out using qualitative and quantitative methods. Two hundred and forty two community pharmaceutical premises were randomly selected and interviewed. In addition, one Focus Group Discussion was carried out among nine members of the state branch of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria in Lagos State. RESULTS Approximately 92% encountered smokers in the course of their work however only 49.6% had ever inquired about their smoking status and 49.1% of these, had offered some form of cessation support. Only 44% had NRT's available within their pharmaceutical premises. The majority (68.5%) were willing to offer smoking cessation services in their premises however only 44.6% had ever received any prior training on tobacco cessation. Those who believed that pharmacists had the required training to offer smoking cessation services were more willing to provide these services. Qualitative findings also revealed that the majority felt they had a unique role to play in providing tobacco cessation services. CONCLUSIONS Community pharmacists were willing to provide smoking cessation services within their practice, however they may require specific training to do so effectively. In developing guidelines for community based smoking cessation, it is recommended that pharmacists be engaged and trained for the provision of smoking cessation services within the community.