Gaps in Knowledge and Practice in Treating Tobacco Use Among Non-physician Healthcare Professionals and Lay Health Workers in Chicago, Illinois

Authors: Marcia M Tan, Anna Veluz-Wilkins, Paulina Styrczula, Shambreia McBrayer

In this article, authors conducted a needs assessment for lay health workers and non-physician medical professionals to assess existing gaps in tobacco cessation practices and knowledge. A 46-item needs assessment was developed and distributed to 58 respondents in and around Chicago, Illinois, United States. Researchers found a lack of knowledge about tobacco use and cessation among study participants. For example, participants scored an average of 40 percent on the tobacco knowledge questionnaire despite more than 40 percent reporting that they addressed tobacco use daily with patients. Additionally, nearly 30 percent of participants reported not knowing whether their patients currently use tobacco. The results of this study suggest that greater tobacco-related trainings may be implemented to better equip CHWs with the necessary skills and knowledge to serve communities affected by tobacco use.