Sílvia Ataide Pithan

Profile of smokers and the role of dentists in tobacco use cessation: a cross-sectional study in southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the profile of smokers in a dental school in southern Brazil and their views about the role of dentists in tobacco use cessation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with patients of a dental school, who answered a face-to-face interview. Smokers also took the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi Square test with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 442 patients, and 93 patients (21.04%) were smokers. The lower the level of schooling the higher the frequency of smokers (p=0.026), and the frequency of nonsmokers was associated with higher income (p=0.021). Regarding the role of dentists in smoking cessation, 97.8% of smokers believe that the dentist should provide information and advice, but 36.6% did not receive any orientation from dentists. CONCLUSION: The study had found a higher frequency of smokers among men and an association between smoking and schooling as well as smoking and income. The majority of smokers would like to quit smoking and had tried at least once to stop. The sample believes that dentists should give information and advice about smoking cessation.

Measure nicotine dependence by the fagerström test for nicotine dependence

Objective To assess the level of nicotine dependence of smokers in a university dental clinic in southern Brazil using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence and identify those who would like to quit smoking. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out with 93 Dental School patients, who underwent a face-to-face interview with four researchers. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-Square test with a significance level of 5%. Results The mean age of the smokers was 47.90 and most had had up to eight years of schooling, and had a family income of less than 1,000 Brazilian Reais. The degree of nicotine dependence was classified, by the mean, 4.45 ± 2.53 points (±SD). There was a significant correlation between nicotine dependence and the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Conclusion The 1% sodium hypochlorite solution caused least damage to the denture structure, not leading to decrease of the superficial microhardness. Indexing terms: Smoking. Smoking cessation Tobacco.