State-specific changes in receipt of cessation counseling from dentist and physician offices, 2011–2015

INTRODUCTION We investigated changes in tobacco product use and receipt of cessation counseling among smokers within 50 US states and the District of Columbia between 2010/2011 and 2014/2015 among adults aged ≥18 years. METHODS Data were from the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey, a household-based survey designed to yield representative estimates at the state and national levels (n=153725 for 2010/2011 and n=163920 for 2014/2015). Tobacco product use was estimated for all adults. We calculated receipt of cessation counseling among current cigarette smokers who visited a dentist (data available for 2010/2011 only) or a medical doctor (data available for both 2010/2011 and 2014/2015). Between-year changes were assessed with chi-squared tests. RESULTS Between 2010/2011 and 2014/2015, declines occurred in 22 states for combustible tobacco smoking, and in 13 states for any tobacco use. Among current cigarette smokers who visited a medical doctor, 13 states had an increase in the receipt of advice or assistance to quit between 2010/2011 and 2014/2015. State-specific estimates of receipt of advice during 2014/2015 ranged from 58.7% (Arkansas) to 80.7% (Wisconsin). During 2010/2011, 31.2% of current cigarette smokers who visited a dentist were advised to quit smoking, and only 7.6% were assisted to quit. By state, the proportion receiving dentist advice to quit ranged from 21.4% (Montana) to 38.9% (Alaska). These estimates were lower than those from physicians in each state. CONCLUSIONS Wide variability in delivery of cessation counseling existed across states, and dentists were less likely to deliver cessation counseling than physicians.