Primary healthcare provider knowledge, beliefs and clinic-based practices regarding alternative tobacco products and marijuana: a qualitative study

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a qualitative study exploring knowledge, beliefs, and clinic-based practices regarding traditional and alternative tobacco products and marijuana among rural and urban Georgia healthcare providers. The study aims to assess knowledge and beliefs regarding traditional versus alternative tobacco products and marijuana among healthcare providers, assess clinic-based practices related to traditional versus alternative tobacco products and marijuana among these healthcare providers, and assess providers’ perceived needs for research and information regarding the diverse range of tobacco products and marijuana to inform clinical practice.

Key Points:

* The study used a qualitative research design, collecting data from 20 healthcare providers in the Atlanta Metropolitan area and rural southern Georgia via individual, semi-structured interviews.
* Participants were asked about their knowledge and beliefs regarding traditional tobacco products (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars), alternative tobacco products (cigar-like products, smokeless tobacco, hookah, e-cigarettes), and marijuana.
* Participants were also asked about their clinic-based practices related to traditional versus alternative tobacco products and marijuana.
* The study found that participants had limited knowledge about alternative tobacco products and marijuana, and there was a lack of consensus on the health risks and potential for addiction of these products.
* Participants reported that they do not routinely assess use of alternative tobacco products and marijuana in clinic.
* Participants expressed a need for empirical evidence to inform their clinical practice regarding alternative tobacco products and marijuana.

Main Message:
This study highlights the need for increased education and awareness among healthcare providers regarding the diverse range of tobacco products and marijuana. Providers must systematically assess use of the range of tobacco products and marijuana in order to provide evidence-based recommendations or information to their patients. This is crucial in promoting informed decision-making and harm reduction among patients who use these products. The study also underscores the importance of developing clinical practice guidelines that address these emerging and complex public health issues.

Bascombe, Ta Misha S., Kimberly N. Scott, Denise Ballard, Samantha A. Smith, Winifred Thompson, and Carla J. Berg. “Primary Healthcare Provider Knowledge, Beliefs and Clinic-Based Practices Regarding Alternative Tobacco Products and Marijuana: A Qualitative Study.” Health Education Research 31, no. 3 (June 2016): 375–83. https://doi.org/10.1093/her/cyv103.