Pediatricians, family practitioners, and dentists were questioned in the spring of 1992 about whether they counseled adolescent patients (10 through 18 years old) not to smoke. Of the 674 questionnaires distributed, 443 (66%) were returned and analyzed. Most practitioners could not estimate cigarette use among their adolescent patients. Prevention counseling occurred infrequently, and least often among younger patients. Physicians were more likely than dentists to counsel adolescents. The data highlight the need for continuing training of primary health care practitioners about the importance of counseling adolescents not to smoke.
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