Evaluating the Impact of a Tobacco Cessation Training Program for Medical and Dental Students: A Pre-Post Intervention Study

Abstract

Background: Tobacco dependence is a leading cause of preventable mortality. This study evaluated the impact of a Tobacco Cessation Training (TCT) program integrated into the medical/dental curriculum on students' knowledge, confidence, and subsequent patient outcomes.

Methdology: A pre-post intervention study was conducted from January to March 2025. A total of 400 clinical-year medical and dental students received the TCT program. Pre- and post-training knowledge scores and counseling confidence (5-point Likert scale) were measured. Following training, students counseled 200 adult tobacco users (smoking ≥5 cigarettes/day or using other forms, motivated to quit). Secondary patient-related outcomes (quit attempts, 7-day point-prevalence abstinence, ≥50% reduction in use) were assessed via patient self-report at one-month follow-up.

Results: Post-training, students’ knowledge scores increased significantly (mean difference +26.6 points, 95% CI: 24.1–29.1, *p*<0.001). Counseling confidence improved from 2.1±0.8 to 4.3±0.6 (*p*<0.001). Among patients counseled, 68% (136/200) initiated a quit attempt, 42% (84/200) achieved 7-day abstinence, and 58% (116/200) reduced tobacco consumption by ≥50%.

Conclusion: The integrated TCT program significantly improved students' cessation competencies and led to positive short-term behavioral changes in patients. This supports the formal inclusion of structured tobacco cessation training in health professions education.

Keywords: Tobacco cessation, Medical education, Dental education, Curriculum intervention, Patient counseling, Pre-post study