Health Promotion Action by Primary Health Care for Smoking Prevention

Abstract

Context: Tobacco use has been proven to be detrimental to health. Health promotion offered by Primary
Health Care (PHC) for smoking prevention has not shown any satisfactory results. The issues of tobacco
use were always identified every year. This study aimed to explore the health promotion (HP) actions for
smoking prevention in PHC as a material to inform smoking prevention efforts in PHC.
Qualitative research was conducted on 35 participants from two PHCs in Surabaya. In-depth interviews were
conducted on 25 PHC workers followed by observation and document tracking. Triangulation of sources
obtained from stakeholders and patients.
Although, in practice, health promotion in a certain sense adopted the WHO strategy, PHC workers viewed the
concept of health and health promotion traditionally. There were a number of efforts of smoking prevention
which still required some improvements including the promotion and supervision of local regulations,
raising awareness and the ability of people to live healthy, and creating a conducive environment.
PHC health promotion action for smoking prevention adapted the strategy of WHO even though it tended to
develop personal skills. More effective and efficient smoking prevention efforts required professionals who
understand health promotion and a combination of strategies. The government as a policy maker occupied a
key and central position in supporting the efforts.