Abstract
The addiction to tobacco remains a significant problem in the context of healthcare staff. We conducted this study aiming to assess the smoking habits among medical students and their knowledge about smoking.
A prospective study was undertaken between October and November 2012 in which a standardised, anonymous, self-completion questionnaire in French was administered to 100 medical students at the Charles Nicolle hospital.
A total number of 100 medical students were included in this study. Mean age was 25 years. The majority was female (58%). The prevalence of smoking among medical students was found to be 38%. Nicotine-dependency was low. All medical students smoke in hospital. The knowledge about tabacco composition and adverse effects was average.
The smoking behaviour of patients was seen to be an important concern for the doctor and this opinion, uninfluenced by their own smoking behaviour, grew stronger as students progressed through their course.
There is a high prevalence of smoking and a mean knowledge about its impact on health among medical students. More attention is needed to focus on medical education in this regard.
- © 2013 ERS