A Global Assessment of Medical Students' Knowledge of Smoking, Risks, Cessation Techniques and Therapeutic Options: Findings from 13 Countries

The burden of smoking-related illness and death is heaviest in developing countries. Around 80% of the more than 1 billion smokers worldwide reside in low- and middle-income countries. The use of counselling and medication can more than double the chance of success among smokers who try to quit. Physicians' adherence to recommendations regarding counseling and support for tobacco cessation is relatively low. Clinicians miss several opportunities to provide counseling for smoking cessation despite patient interest and the proven efficacy of brief counseling. A lack of training during medical education could be an important contributor.