Characteristics of smoking cessation guideline use by primary care physicians.

This study, based on a random sample mail survey of Missouri primary care physicians, identifies: (1) the extent and predictors of these physicians' awareness, agreement, adoption, and adherence to tobacco cessation guidelines; and (2) their knowledge/ beliefs about tobacco interventions. While primary care physicians play a key role in helping patients quit smoking, guidelines are not widely followed. "Reliance on respected colleagues for advice" was the one variable consistently identified as a predictor of guideline compliance.