How attitudes of state and community leaders regarding health equity and social determinants of health are associated with behavioral intentions to improve population health.

A critical driver of population health, well-being, and equity is making health a shared value, or the belief that health is a priority for oneself and one's community. For people in positions of influence, attitudes regarding their organization's perspective may result in decisions that advance health equity or reinforce inequities. Yet despite the potential role of leaders in influencing health and well-being, little is known about their attitudes regarding their organization's perspective on what shapes health, or how their attitudes translate into actions that improve population health.

National survey of U.S. health professionals' smoking prevalence, cessation practices, and beliefs.

Background: Tobacco dependence treatment efforts have focused on primary care physicians (PCPs), but evidence suggests that they are insufficient to help most smokers quit. Other health professionals also frequently encounter smokers, but their smoking prevalence, cessation practices, and beliefs are less well known.

Methods: The study included 2,804 subjects from seven health professional groups: PCPs, emergency medicine physicians, psychiatrists, registered nurses, dentists, dental hygienists, and pharmacists.