Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice in Anti-Smoking Campaigns in Morocco

Abstract

Background: Health professionals have a major role in tobacco control efforts, as they are generally considered to be role models in communities. Nurses in particular, being usually the largest group of health care workers, are ideally placed to promote smoking cessation. The aim of this study was to assess tobacco use of nurses and their knowledge, attitudes and practice on tobacco control in the region of Fez in Morocco. Methods: A cross-sectional study focused on public practicing nurses, over a period of 2 months in 2009, in the university hospital and in the primary health care centres of the region of Fez in Morocco. Results: In total, 120 nurses participated in the study. Mean age was 42.2 years (11.8 years SD; from 22 to 64 years). There were 13.4% smokers, among whom 9.2% daily smokers. Men considered themselves better trained in tobacco cessation activities than women (84.8% vs. 60.0%, p = 0.02). Women considered the role of nurses in tobacco prevention as important, and were more convinced of the anti-tobacco effectiveness actions (90.0% vs. 52.1%, p < 0.001). No-smokers were significantly more convinced in general in the effectiveness of anti-tobacco measures, with a significant difference on interdicts to smoke in public places (20.0% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Nurses in the region of Fez in Morocco would be motivated to contribute to tobacco control programs if they had appropriate resources. Their interest offers an important opportunity to strengthen their knowledge, attitudes and practices as smoking cessation supporters.