Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Structured medical advice (SMA) is the strategy with the best cost/benefit for addressing tobacco consumption. Physicians are likely to develop burnout or depression, which often affect the quality of their work. Do burnout and depression relate to the implementation of SMA in relation to smoking? Methods: We surveyed 236 physicians from Chilean hospital system on their mental health and performance of three initial steps of SMA. Results: Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistical techniques. Physicians who did not have depression indicators showed a significantly higher proportion of SMA optimal adherence to smoking prevention, in contrast to those who had the depression indicators who showed less adherence to it. The same was observed in the case of burnout. Physicians with emotional exhaustion showed significant differences in one of the steps of the SMA. Physicians with depersonalization and personal accomplishment showed significant differences in each step of the SMA. In general, the greater the presence of indicators of mental health problems, physicians reported a lower proportion of optimal practices in SMA. Conclusions: Burnout and depression in medical professionals relate to suboptimal implementation of SMA regarding smoking habits.