Table 2 The relationship between consultation activity and smoking-related attitudes and experiences

Smoking is among the most significant public health issues in Finland

1037 11.6 (2.9)

29 9.7 (3.4)

Z = −3.2, p = 0.002

1037 6.1 (2.5)

29 4.6 (2.1)

Z = −3.3, p < 0.001

It is the physician’s responsibility to try to get the patient to quit smoking

989 11.7 (2.8)

69 9.4 (3.7)

Z = −5, p < 0.001

989 6.2 (2.5)

69 4.4 (2.4)

Z = −5.7, p < 0.001

Additional health care resources should be allocated toward smoking withdrawal

863 11.7 (2.8)

203 10.7 (3.2)

Z = −4.3, p < 0.001

863 6.3 (2.5)

203 5.2 (2.3)

Z = −5.4, p < 0.001

My current knowledge and skills are sufficient for giving advice to patients who wish to quit smoking

832 11.9 (2.6)

233 10.0 (3.5)

Z = −7.8, p < 0.001

832 6.6 (2.3)

233 4.2 (2.4)

Z = −12.3, p < 0.001

I have succeeded in my efforts to affect my patients’ smoking

402 12.7 (2.2)

534 11.0 (2.8)

Z = −9.9, p < 0.001

402 7.4 (2.2)

534 5.5 (2.3)

Z = −12.3, p < 0.001

I am familiar with the local treatment guidelines for tobacco addiction

300 12.6 (2.4)

766 11.1 (3.0)

Z = −7.5, p < 0.001

300 7.3 (2.2)

766 5.6 (2.5)

Z = −10.1, p < 0.001