KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SMOKING RELATED HEALTH DISORDERS AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS OF RAWALPINDI MEDICAL COLLEGE, RAWALPINDI

Abstract

Objective: To assess knowledge of medical students regarding smoking related
health disorders among medical students of Rawalpindi Medical College,
Rawalpindi.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at
Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi in June 2010. A structured
questionnaire regarding hazards of smoking was used to know the knowledge of
medical students from first year to final years. Data was collected by self
administered questionnaire especially pertaining to smoking related health
hazards including neonatal death,sudden infant death syndrome, lung and
coronary heart diseases with respect to passive smoking, rising prices of
tobacco products, banning smoking in health centers, enclosed places and sale
of tobacco products. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results: A total of 957 medical student were enrolled. Among them males were
30.7% while females were 69.3%. 89.2% medical students agreed with
association of maternal smoking with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome while
78.6% students acknowledged association of passive smoking with neonatal
death. 89.7% students claimed relationship of passive smoking with growing risk
of lung and heart diseases. Banning sale of tobacco products and advertising of
tobacco products was affirmed by 91.8% and 89.7% medical students
respectively.
Conclusion: Although majority of medical students were found to be
knowledgeable about smoking related health risks, their comprehension still
entails further enhancement for up-gradation of existing scenario.