Under graduate nursing students′ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of health professionals′ role related to tobacco control and cessation

Abstract

Background: Tobacco use is a public health issue throughout the world. Research related to information about tobacco control and cessation among nursing students is limited from India. Aim: To assess nursing students' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of health professionals' role regarding tobacco control and cessation. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted among purposively selected (N = 178) undergraduate nursing students. Data was collected using self-reported questionnaires. Results: Our findings revealed that students' knowledge related to tobacco diseases was adequate as mean score of this domain was (M ± SD) 18.0 ± 1.48. Almost all participants agreed to support strict legislation (92.1%): Ban on public use of tobacco (91.6%), tobacco sales to children and adolescents (95.5%), and advertising of tobacco products (93.9%). Almost the entire sample felt that health professionals should serve as role models for their patients and the public (97.2%). However, curriculum related to smoking cessation techniques (51.6%) reasons why people smoke (48.8%) and nicotine replacement therapies were the areas found to be inadequate. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to sensitize nurse educators and nurse administrators involved in curriculum preparation to incorporate specific education modules related to tobacco control and cessation at an undergraduate level.