The Smoking Cessation Trust Program of Louisiana: The Pediatrician's Role in Identifying and Referring Eligible Caregivers.

BACKGROUND

A pilot study was conducted to determine whether the caregivers of children being seen at the Ochsner for Children health center were eligible for and using services provided by the Smoking Cessation Trust (SCT).

METHODS

The study population consisted of pediatric patients' caregivers who visit the Ochsner for Children health center. Caregivers were offered a questionnaire to assess their age, sex, relationship to the child, medical insurance, smoking status, and prior cessation attempts and aids. Data about 3 other caregivers were also requested from the visiting caregiver.

RESULTS

Of the 84 caregivers assessed, 26 (30.95%) smoked, of whom 12 (46.15%) began smoking prior to 1988 and were eligible for SCT services. The cohort of eligible caregivers included 4 grandmothers (33.33%), 2 grandfathers (16.67%), and 3 fathers (25.00%). Smoking prevalence in our cohort was higher than the national average (31% vs 18%). During the previous 12 months, 3 of 12 (25.00%) SCT-eligible caregivers had tried to quit smoking. Four (33.33%) SCT-eligible caregivers were interested in smoking cessation.

CONCLUSION

Pediatricians are in a unique position to screen, counsel, and refer caregivers who smoke to the SCT.