ABS87: Smoking among nursing and medical students: A review of the national literature

Abstract

Tobacco is the second major cause of death and the fourth most common risk factor for disease in the world. It is currently responsible for about 5 million deaths each year. Smoking is a heavy burden especially for developing countries with high smoking prevalence. In Turkey, the prevalence of smokers is 43.6% in the entire population and over 50% among physicians and nurses who are supposed to be good role models for the rest of the people by adopting a smoke-free life. Many of these health professionals are estimated to start smoking in nursing or medical studentship years. The aim was to provide data about smoking behaviour among nursing and medical students. Results of 30 studies conducted between 1988 and 2004 among nursing and medical students and published in national journals were reviewed to determine smoking prevalence among nursing and medical students. Smoking prevalence among nursing students was reported between 32.0% and 44.2% and it showed an increasing trend in the last 20 years. The prevalence of smokers among medical students was between 26.8% and 47.9% (35.7% to 40.4% in males, 13.2% to 21.8% in females). Smoking prevalence rates among the first and last year nursing students were found 23.7% and 47.9% respectively. Among the first year medical students smoking prevalence was reported between 5.2% and 18.9%. The same prevalence was 42.9% to 53.5% among the last year medical students. Smoking is prevalent among nursing and medical students. Many of these students start smoking throughout the school years. Every effort should be tried to decrease smoking rates among these students considering their future role in the community as a vital part of antismoking activities. Regarding the difficulties and low success rates in smoking cessation activities, it sounds more logical to make effective interventions to prevent young students from starting to smoke. Conflict of interest and funding None.