ATTITUDES OF MEDICAL STUDENTS TOWARDS SMOKING

Abstract

Objective: To assess beliefs and attitudes of medical students towards smoking
and to compare difference between smokers and non smokers.
Methodology: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted from 1
st May to 31 October 2011 at FUMC, Rawalpindi. A random sample of 500 male
st th and female students from 1 year to 5 year MBBS were selected by convenient
sampling technique. A self administered English language questionnaire was
distributed. The data was entered in SPSS version 19.
Results: Out of 500 students, 384 completed questionnaires were received. Of
these 42.8 %(n=185) were males. The mean age was 21.46±1.8. Only
53(13.8%) were smokers. Out of total males and females 24.24% and 5.02%
respectively were smokers. Smoking was found to be statistically significant in
males, age group more than 22 yrs and with family history of smoking (p=0.000,
0.000, 0.046 respectively). Stress, boredom/anxiety and experimentation were
most common factors leading to smoking. Only 54.9% consider doctors to be
role models for the society and 13.3% medical students felt that the legislation is
effective. In total 84.1% and 86.7% in smokers group were aware of the hazards
of smoking. Only 26.7% of total felt that advice to smokers is effective, but in
comparison smokers felt advice matters (p= 0.000). In terms of increasing price
of cigarettes 68.4% felt it will help controlling the smoking menace but smokers
had a different view (p= 0.000).
Conclusion: Smoking behavior and attitudes of future physicians is alarming and
addressing this menace needs priority action.