ATTITUDES OF MEDICAL STUDENTS TOWARDS SMOKING

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 1st May to 31st October 2011 at FUMC, Rawalpindi. A random sample of 500 male 1st year 5th 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.