Role of Health Educators in Promoting Tobacco Cessation Among Outpatients at University College Hospital, Ibadan

Tobacco-related diseases are a significant cause of preventable mortality in Nigeria, yet structured cessation support at the clinical level remains limited. This study investigated the role of health educators in promoting tobacco cessation among outpatients at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, with 200 adult outpatients who reported current or recent tobacco use recruited from the general out-patient and chronic disease clinics. Structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and clinical records review were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were applied. Results showed that 63 percent of respondents had never been counselled on tobacco cessation by a health educator during clinical visits. Among those who received brief cessation counselling, 44 percent reported at least one cessation attempt in the preceding six months. Motivational interviewing and referral to cessation clinics were identified as underutilised but highly valued interventions. The study highlighted a systemic gap in the integration of health educators in tobacco cessation pathways at the hospital. Recommendations included the appointment of dedicated tobacco cessation health educators in outpatient departments, supported by clear referral protocols and access to cessation aids. Keywords: tobacco cessation, health educators, outpatients, University College Hospital Ibadan, motivational interviewing