Genetic Screening for Nicotine Dependence and Treatment Approaches among Physicians in Indonesia

This study is the first to query Indonesian physicians about medical genetics in detail for smoking cessation and smoking-related diseases from health care sites in multiple cities across Indonesia. 113 physicians completed a survey questionnaire assessing theiropinions on genetic screening use for smoking cessation and smoking-related diseases, medical genetic facilities available to them, and information from medical genetics that are of interest. Pearson’s chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests were applied to evaluate associations between genetic screening usefulness with institutional affiliation, clinical specialty, and research interest. 81% of total respondents indicated that genetic screening information for smoking cessation would be useful. 56% of the physicians were based in a clinic and 63% were general practitioners. Most research interests were in respiratory diseases (35%) and nicotine addiction (28%). Institutional affiliation was significantly associated with opinions on usefulness (p = 0.018) as was an interest in cancer pathology (p = 0.005). 42% of physicians believed they lack the knowledge on what specific information would be useful but 70% still believe genetic screening would be useful. 89% of physicians stated that their affiliated institutions had limited medical genetics services and facilities. This report found an optimistic interest in genetic screening for smoking cessation and related diseases among Indonesian physicians despite limited resources for immediate incorporation of genetic screening information into their practices.

International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research

Carissa Pardamean, James W. Baurley, Muhammad Fitra Kacamarga, Bens Pardamean

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