Program for Education in Global and Population Health

A Cross-Cultural Comparison Regarding Tobacco Use and Smoking Cessation Counseling: Survey Measures Among Dental Students New York City and Yerevan, Armenia

Ashton Alarcon

Name: Ashton Alarcon
School: College of Dental Medicine, Class of 2023
Mentor: Kim Hekimian, PhD, Lynn Tepper, PhD, EdD, Natella Gharibyan, MD, Arusiak Harutyunyan, MD, MPH

Name: Alexander Gordon
School: College of Dental Medicine, Class of 2023
Mentor: Kim Hekimian, PhD, Lynn Tepper, PhD, EdD, Natella Gharibyan, MD, Arusiak Harutyunyan, MD, MPH

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Abstract

Globally, smoking is a leading health risk factor for disease, including oral health. As such, dentists are uniquely positioned to counsel patients in smoking cessation, yet often receive inadequate training for this role. This study measures dental students’ tobacco use, knowledge, attitudes and confidence about smoking and cessation counseling to future patients. The relation between COVID-19 and tobacco use/cessation attitudes was also measured. A cross-cultural comparison between Columbia University

College of Dental Medicine (CDM) and Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU), Yerevan, Armenia was conducted because of known disparities between the two schools in this field. The data will be used to evaluate education needs to promote smoking cessation counseling training in both dental schools. A cross-sectional online survey design was implemented. Questionnaire items were developed through literature review, expert input, face and content validity. An online link to the survey was emailed to all currently enrolled dental students at both schools (CDM=~270, YSMU = 638). Data collection is on-going. Thus far, response rates are 68/~270 (25.2%), CDM; 201/638 (31.5%) at YSMU. Cronbach’s alpha analysis indicates high levels of internal consistency for domains measured. The COVID-19 crisis has impacted the smoking habits and attitudes of dental students at both schools. Cigarette use is higher among students at YSMU than at CDM, while E-cigarette use is lower. CDM students’ tobacco knowledge score is higher than YSMU in all domains except the association between smoking and COVID-19. Significantly fewer students at YSMU report receiving coursework in all domains of tobacco health effects and cessation than at CDM.