Knowledge, Attitudes and Smoking Behaviours Among Dental and Medical Students in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Background: Healthcare professionals have an important role to play both as advisers influencing smoking cessation and as role models. However, many of them continue to smoke. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of smoking cessation programs and the importance of physician's advice to their patients. The aims of the current study are as follows: (i) to evaluate smoking prevalence, knowledge and attitudes, and tobacco cessation training (ii) to examine the difference between smokers and nonsmokers. Methods: A structured questionnaire consisting of 14 questions related to tobacco/smoking habits, cessation training and role of health professionals in tobacco control were asked to the study population and their response was recorded. Random sampling method was used and data were collected from a cross-sectional survey. The survey was conducted between January and February 2015. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 17 and logistic regression model was used to identify possible associations with tobacco smoking status. The level of significance was p ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 259 answered the questionnaire of which 29% declared to be smokers. About 53% of the males have smoked at least once in their life and the age of cigarette initiation was 16-17 years for 28% of the sample. 76% considered health professionals as behavioral models for patients, and 96% affirmed that health professionals have a role in giving advice or information about smoking cessation. Although 87% heard about smoking related issues during undergraduate courses, only 17% received specific smoking cessation training during specialization. 93% of the sample agreed that health professionals should receive specific training on smoking cessation according to while 6% were of the opposite opinion. Conclusion: All healthcare professionals play an important role in the process of smoking cessation both as advisers and behavioral models for the general population. The current study highlights the importance of focusing attention on smoking cessation training, given the high prevalence of smokers among physicians specializing in medicine and dentistry, their key role both as advisers and behavioral models, and the limited tobacco training offered in the curriculum. In the field of public health, tobacco screening, and intervention is one of the most effective clinical preventive services. Planning and implementing smoking cessation training and cessation tailored to these young health professionals is therefore strongly recommended.