The effects of a theory-based training program on nurses' self-efficacy and behavior for smoking cessation counseling

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking continues to put Americans at risk for serious health consequences and early death. Nurses play an important role in disseminating smoking cessation interventions to patients in the hospital. However, nurses are not prepared for smoking cessation counseling. METHOD: A quasi-experimental design was used. Fifteen nurses participated in the Clinical Practice Guideline "5 A's" brief intervention training program, completing a survey during three time periods. RESULTS: There were several statistically significant changes in the dependent variables for self-efficacy and behavior for smoking cessation counseling. CONCLUSION: Results of this study support further research and theory-based training for nurses.