Pediatricians' practices regarding smoking cessation among parents of their patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess pediatricians' use of the 5A's for smoking cessation among the parents of their patients.

METHODS: A random sample of Ohio pediatricians (n=153) completed a mail survey on smoking cessation activities.

RESULTS: Most pediatricians (80%) regularly asked their patients' parents about their smoking status. The majority "always" or "usually" implemented 2 of the 5 steps of the 5A's. Respondents perceived using the 5A's would result in fewer parents smoking but were less confident they could implement all of the 5A's.

CONCLUSIONS: Pediatricians need more training to better prepare them to assist parents in quitting smoking.