Nurses' smoking and other health-related behaviours

Abstract

Cigarette smoking is a major cause of premature death, disease and reduced quality of life in Australia and other industrialised countries. While the overall prevalence of smoking has declined in large sections of the Australian population, this decline does not appear to have taken place at the same rate among members of the nursing profession. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of cigarette smoking among beginning nursing students in tertiary institutions in South Australia (n=668, 85 per cent response rate) and the factors that may contribute to their smoking behaviour. Data was collected using a self-report questionnaire on smoking behaviour, perception of health risks related to smoking and attitudes and performance of specific health behaviours. Smoking prevalence was 36 per cent. Overall, smoking prevalence between males and females did not differ; however, males tended to smoke more cigarettes and those with a higher nicotine level than did female smokers. Smokers differed from non-smokers in their perception of health risks related to smoking and in their perception of the importance of certain health behaviours, as well as in the performance of certain health-related behaviours, such as coffee and breakfast consumption. If nurses are to work in health exemplar roles, interventions that impact on their health behaviour should be a health promotion priority.