Smoking among nursing staff in the regional hospital of AGADIR

Abstract

Introduction: Smoking is a major current public health problem, responsible for very significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this work is to evaluate the smoking habits of nursing staff in order to develop a tobacco control strategy in hospitals.

Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study of all the staff of the HASSAN II Regional Hospital Center in Agadir on the basis of the distribution of anonymous questionnaires, carried out between the period of SEPTEMBER 2021 until JANUARY 2022.

Results: A questionnaire was sent to all medical and paramedical staff. Out of a set of 393 nursing staff, 204 responses were received, i.e. a response rate of 51.9%. The study population was composed of 32.4% women (n=66) and 67.6% men (n=138). Smokers (n = 55) represented 26.9% of the study population; ex-smokers (n=23) represented 11.2% and non-smokers (n=126) 61.7%. Paramedics smoked more than doctors (15.6% versus 11.2%). The average age of smokers was 29.1 years. The average age of onset of smoking was 22 years with a range of 16 to 30 years and with an average consumption of 10 cigarettes/day. The initiating factors to smoking were mainly pleasure at 33.3%, stress at 33.3%, the influence of the entourage at 16.7% and others at 16.7%. According to the Fagerström test, 76.6% were moderately to strongly dependent on nicotine. A proportion of 88.9% of smokers were planning to quit smoking. Medical and psychological withdrawal assistance was desired by 66.7% and all smokers believe that health personnel should set a good example.

Conclusion: Smoking is common among healthcare workers. This survey highlights the need to carry out awareness-raising actions to strengthen people's motivation to quit smoking and support them in their withdrawal.