Impact of Smoking on Doctor Consultations for Respiratory Symptoms
Author Information
Author(s): Jiwa Moyez, Arnet Hayley, Halkett Georgia, Smith Marthe, O'Connor Moira, Rhodes Julia, Poland Kate, Bulsara Max
Primary Institution: Western Australian Centre for Cancer and Palliative Care, Curtin University of Technology
Hypothesis
Does smoking status affect the likelihood of consulting a doctor about respiratory symptoms?
Conclusion
Smokers are more likely to suggest that a symptomatic person may have cancer, but they are not more likely to be advised to consult a doctor for respiratory symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- 70.3% of respondents were female aged forty and older.
- A history of six weeks' of symptoms increased the odds of recommending a consultation by a factor of 11.8.
- Only 32% of cancer vignettes with a history of smoking were recognized as possible cancer presentations.
- 83.8% of respondents recommended a consultation with a GP for the vignettes presented.
Takeaway
The study found that even though smokers might think their symptoms are serious, they often don't go to the doctor when they should.
Methodology
Participants completed self-administered questionnaires with vignettes about respiratory symptoms, and logistic regression was used for analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential biases from distributing surveys at a reception desk.
Limitations
The study had a limited list of symptoms and did not account for other significant factors like access to medical practitioners.
Participant Demographics
Majority were female (70%) and aged 40 and older.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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