Prevalence of tobacco use and perceptions of student health professionals about cessation training: results from Global Health Professions Students Survey

Determinants of tobacco use transitions in smoker nursing students in Catalonia: A prospective longitudinal study

INTRODUCTION

The use of emerging tobacco and nicotine products affects tobacco use behaviors among college students. Thus, we aimed to examine transitions in tobacco use patterns and identify their predictors among smokers in a cohort of nursing students in Catalonia (Spain).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective longitudinal study of Catalan nursing students between 2015-2016 and 2018-2019. We examined transitions in tobacco use patterns between baseline and follow-up among smokers from: 1) daily to non-daily smoking, 2) non-daily to daily smoking, 3) cigarette-only use to poly-tobacco use, 4) poly-tobacco use to cigarette-only use, 5) between products, 6) reducing consumption by ≥5 cigarettes per day (CPD); and 7) quitting smoking. We applied a Generalized Linear Model with a log link (Poisson regression) and robust variance to identify predictors of reducing cigarette consumption by ≥5 CPD and quitting smoking, obtaining both crude and adjusted (APR) prevalence ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Among daily smokers at baseline, 12.1% transitioned to non-daily smoking at follow-up, while 36.2% of non-daily smokers shifted to daily smoking. Among cigarette-only users, 14.2% transitioned to poly-tobacco use, while 48.4% of poly-tobacco users switched to exclusive cigarette use. Among all smokers (daily and non-daily smokers), 60.8% reduced their cigarette consumption by ≥5 CPD and 28.3% quit smoking. Being a non-daily smoker (APR=0.33; 95% CI 0.19-0.55) and having lower nicotine dependence (APR=0.78; 95% CI 0.64-0.96) were inversely associated with reducing cigarette consumption, while being a non-daily smoker (APR=1.19; 95% CI: 1.08-1.31) was directly associated with quitting smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

Nursing students who smoked experienced diverse transitions in tobacco use patterns over time. Evidence-based tobacco use preventive and cessation interventions are needed to tackle tobacco use among future nurses.

Prevalence and Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Tobacco Use Among Medical and Dental Students in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Background Tobacco use remains a significant global public health concern, causing millions of preventable and premature deaths annually and imposing substantial economic burdens. India, the second-largest producer and consumer of tobacco products worldwide, bears a significant burden of tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. Medical and dental students represent the future healthcare workforce and role models; hence, their tobacco consumption and attitude would play a vital role in tobacco control. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding tobacco use among medical and dental students in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using the Global Health Professional Students Survey (GHPSS) questionnaire. The study included third-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students from two private medical and two dental colleges in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Data were collected from February to April 2019 through anonymous self-administered questionnaires, and descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. Results A total of 400 students were surveyed, with 16% reporting being current smokers (24.3% males, 8.7% females). Furthermore, 36.8% had tried cigarettes and other tobacco products. Nonsmokers demonstrated stronger support for comprehensive tobacco control policies, such as banning advertising and smoking in public places, compared to current smokers. Most students acknowledged the importance of recording tobacco use history and providing educational materials; however, only around 40% had received formal training on smoking cessation. Conclusion The findings highlight the need for targeted intervention among medical and dental students for tobacco cessation. It is vital to foster a positive attitude toward tobacco control among future healthcare professionals. Health professional institutions should take proactive steps to prevent tobacco use among students and develop initiatives to motivate successful cessation training. Investing in tobacco control education for healthcare professionals is crucial to empower them in tobacco cessation efforts and promote healthier societies.

The prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of tobacco and nicotine use among students in healthcare disciplines in Saudi Arabian universities: a cross-sectional survey

Background

Tobacco smoking is one of the most significant health-related problems worldwide. However, the prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of tobacco and nicotine use among students on healthcare courses in Saudi Arabia are limited.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire that was distributed via SurveyMonkey between November 2022 and June 2023 to all student universities offering healthcare courses. Data are presented as frequency and percentages. The associated sociodemographic factors with current tobacco and nicotine use were subjected to logistic regression.

Results

Overall, 5,012, of whom 3,872 (77.25%) were males, responded to the online survey. The prevalence of current tobacco and nicotine use was 3,553 (71%). The majority of users used electronic nicotine delivery systems (1,622: 32.36%). The current use of cigarettes (AOR: 1.75 (1.42 to 2.15)), e-cigarettes (AOR: 1.17 (1.01 to 1.37)), and smokeless tobacco substances (AOR: 1.35 (1.02 to 1.90)) were more pronounced among males compared to female students. However, the current use of a hookah was less among males (AOR: 0.74 (95% CI: 61 to 0.91)). Smoking cigarettes was practiced less among students living in other regions compared to the Central Region. However, smokeless tobacco substances seem to be more prevalent in the Western, Southern, and Northern Regions, (AOR: 1.57 (95% CI: 1.09 to 2.26)), (AOR: 1.43 (95% CI: 1.04 to 1.95)), and (AOR: 1.57 (95% CI: 1.09 to 2.26)), respectively.

Conclusion

Smoking is prevalent among students in the healthcare disciplines, with electronic nicotine delivery systems being the most used product. Several sociodemographic factors were associated with higher tobacco or nicotine use.

Prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity among medical students from the Western Balkans (South-East Europe Region)

Being overweight and obese is associated with an elevated risk of developing noncommunicable diseases, which are the leading causes of mortality worldwide. It is a warning that global prevalence of overweight among university students ranges from 20 to 40%, which presents a significant public health problem. To date, there was no research conducted on medical students regarding the prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity in the countries of the Western Balkans (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Serbia). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and potential demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related behavioral factors associated with overweight and obesity of medical students from Western Balkans. A cross-sectional study was conducted, surveying 2452 students from 14 medical faculties from 5 countries in the region. The prevalence of overweight was 12% and obesity was 2.3% among medical students from Western Balkans. Male gender and smoking status are significant positive predictors of overweight and obesity. Daily level of physical activity up to 1 h per day, going to preventive check-ups once a year or as a part of annual dormitory check-ups are associated with lower odds of being overweight and obese. By creating adequate public health educational programs, students can be influenced to acquire proper health-related lifestyle habits, which would lead to reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the student population, as well as risk of developing noncommunicable diseases and improving the overall health of the population.

Education for Tobacco Use Disorder Treatment: Current State, Evidence, and Unmet Needs

Background

Tobacco use is undertreated in the medical setting. One driver may be inadequate tobacco use disorder treatment (TUDT) training for clinicians in specialties treating tobacco-dependent patients.

Objective

We sought to evaluate the current state of TUDT training for diverse professionals and how these skills are assessed in credentialing exams.

Methods

We performed a focused review of current educational practices, evidence-based strategies, and accreditation exam contents focused on TUDT.

Results

Among medical students, participants in reviewed studies reported anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours of TUDT training throughout their 4-year programs, most often in the form of didactic sessions. Similarly, little TUDT training was reported at the post-graduate (residency, fellowship, continuing medical education) levels, and reported training was typically delivered as time-based (expected hours of instruction) rather than competency-based (demonstration of mastery) learning. Multiple studies evaluated effective TUDT curricula at varied stages of training. More effective curricula incorporated longitudinal sessions and active learning, such as standardized patient encounters or proctored patient visits. Knowledge of TUDT is minimally evaluated on certification exams. For example, the American Board of Internal Medicine blueprint lists TUDT as <2% of one subtopic on both the internal medicine and pulmonary exams.

Conclusion

TUDT training for most clinicians is minimal, does not assess competency, and is minimally evaluated on certification exams. Effective, evidence-based TUDT training incorporating active learning should be integrated into medical education at all levels, with attention paid to inclusion on subsequent certifying exams.

Smokers who were seen by a doctor or other healthcare provider for any health concern in Brazil: what a missed opportunity to encourage smoking cessation!

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine changes in the proportion of smokers who were advised to quit smoking by health professionals as part of routine consultations or interactions with their patients between 2008 and 2019.

STUDY DESIGN

Serial cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Data from two nationally representative cross-sectional surveys were used to examine changes over time in the proportions of smokers who were seen by a doctor or other healthcare provider for any health concern and were advised to quit smoking ('Advice_HP'). An additional dichotomous variable ('AdviceAccess_HP') was created and included smokers who were not seen by a doctor or other healthcare provider in the past 12 months in the 'no advice' received category. Crude and adjusted absolute differences in prevalence rates of smokers who were advised to quit smoking by health professionals as part of routine consultations or interactions with their patients between 2008 and 2019 were evaluated using a generalised linear model.

RESULTS

The proportion of smokers who were seen by a health professional for any health concern increased from 58.8% in 2008 to 88.7% in 2019. The proportion of 'AdviceAccess_HP' increased from 33.6% in 2008 to 45.2% in 2019; however, the proportion of 'Advice_HP' decreased from 57.1% in 2008 to 51.0% in 2019. After adjustment for sociodemographic and smoking behaviour characteristics, differences remained virtually unchanged. In 2019, health professionals missed the opportunity to provide around 10 million smokers with brief advice to stop smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

Monitoring the actions needed to encourage smoking cessation is critical for achieving the United Nations sustainable development goals. Primary healthcare workers should serve as role models for patients and provide brief advice that increases the likelihood of successfully quitting tobacco use, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Adaptation, implementation, and evaluation of an online health sciences training program for brief smoking intervention: A pre-post study in four European countries

BACKGROUND

Tobacco cessation intervention has a positive impact on quality of care. For health professionals, limited competency in this area may be associated with poor training during their academic programs. There is a clear need to further develop and implement training programs to improve tobacco cessation knowledge, skills, and attitudes among healthcare students.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the innovative online training program "Brief Intervention in Smoking Cessation" for healthcare students to improve their knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

DESIGN

A pre-post evaluation study with a satisfaction assessment tool was used.

SETTING

Seven universities from four European countries, including Belgium, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom, participated.

PARTICIPANTS

One thousand and seventy-two (1072) undergraduate students participated, with 851 completing the online program.

METHODS

All participants completed the "Brief Intervention in Smoking Cessation" online program, which consisted of five theoretical modules, five videos, and three virtual simulation cases between January 2020 and June 2022. Knowledge was assessed by a multiple-choice test, and practical skills were assessed by a simulation algorithm, both of which were developed by education and smoking cessation experts. Competency was achieved when students successfully completed both assessments. Satisfaction was measured using an ad hoc 16-item questionnaire. Pre-post changes in knowledge were assessed using a paired Student's t-test.

RESULTS

Eighty-six percent of the students achieved smoking cessation competency. Students significantly improved their knowledge score on a scale of 0 to 10 points, with a mean pre-program score of 3.79 vs a mean post-program score of 7.33 ([-3.7 - -3.4] p < 0.001), acquiring sufficient attitudes and skills (simulation mean of 7.4 out of 10 points). Students were highly satisfied with the program (8.2 out of 10) and recommended it to other students (8.4 out of 10).

CONCLUSIONS

The "Brief Intervention in Smoking Cessation" online training program is effective for the acquisition of smoking cessation competencies among European health profession students.

Environmental health knowledge of healthcare professionals: Instrument development and validation using the Rasch model

INTRODUCTION

environmental risk factors constitute a major public health issue, calling for preventive actions and interventions at multiple levels. An important step in this direction is increasing the environmental health (EH) knowledge of the healthcare professionals. In this context, tools designed to measure such knowledge are of imperative importance. The aim of the present study was to develop an EH knowledge tool for healthcare professionals.

METHODS

a group of experts defined the knowledge areas of the EH tool and their corresponding items. An online pilot and a validation study were performed. Internal consistency reliability was measured with the Kuder-Richardson 20 (KR-20) estimate, the construct validity and uni-dimensionality of the tool were assessed with the Rasch model. Known-groups validity was analysed with the two-sample t-test.

RESULTS

a total of n = 151 and n = 444 healthcare professionals and end-year medical and nursing students, participated in the pilot and the validation study, respectively. The resulting 33-item EH knowledge questionnaire for healthcare professionals (EHKQ-HP) obtained a KR-20 = 0.82. The scale is uni-dimensional. Its construct validity was verified, and its items cover a wide range of difficulties. Separation statistics were adequate and known-groups behaved as hypothesized.

CONCLUSIONS

the EHKQ-HP is a valuable resource for measuring the EH knowledge of the healthcare professionals. As such it will be useful in detecting EH knowledge gaps, and helping public health agents in making informed decisions when developing interventions for increasing this very knowledge. This would consequently help in improving the health of the general population.

Tobacco Cessation Curriculum in Medical Schools: a Scoping Review

This scoping review aims to identify interventional training courses on tobacco cessation counseling skills of medical students, identify the most appropriate teaching method, and the ideal stage to provide such training. We retrieved articles published since 2000 from two electronic peer-reviewed databases (PubMed and Scopus) and hand-searched reference lists of selected articles. Articles published in English, with a clearly defined curriculum, reporting knowledge, attitude, cessation counseling skills of medical students post-training, and cessation-related outcomes of patients participating in student-led counseling sessions, were considered for inclusion. We used the York framework to guide this scoping review. First, data from studies meeting the inclusion criteria were charted using a standardized form. Subsequently, related studies were organized under three themes that emerged in the review process-lectured-based, web-based, and multi-modal curriculum. We concluded that a short but focused lecture-based curriculum combined with peer role-play or standardized/real patient interactions effectively develops the necessary knowledge and skills of undergraduate medical students to provide tobacco cessation counseling to patients. However, studies consistently report that the gains in knowledge and skills after cessation training is acute. Therefore, continued participation in cessation counseling and periodic review of cessation-related knowledge and skills post-training is warranted.

Passive exposure and perceptions of smoke-free policies in hospital and university campuses among nursing students: A cross-sectional multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

Outdoor smoke-free regulations reduce exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) and help to denormalize tobacco use. As future key agents in health promotion, nursing students' attitudes should agree with tobacco-control policies. The objectives of this study were: 1) assess nursing students' exposure to SHS in nursing schools, 2) explore their perceptions of compliance with the existing smoke-free regulations in acute-care hospitals; and 3) describe their support for indoor and outdoor smoking bans on hospital and university campuses.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional multicenter study conducted in 2015-2016 in all 15 university nursing schools in Catalonia, Spain. A questionnaire gathered information on SHS exposure, awareness of the smoke-free regulation in acutecare hospitals, and support for smoke-free policies in indoor and outdoor areas of hospitals and university campuses. Participants were nursing students attending classes on the day of the survey. We performed descriptive analyses and calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Of 4381 respondents, 99.1% had seen people smoking in outdoor areas of their university campus, and 75.2% had been exposed to SHS on the campus (6.0% indoors and 69.2% outdoors). Nearly 60% were aware of the smoking regulation in place in acute-care hospitals. There was widespread support for smoke-free indoor hospital regulation (98.7%), but less support (64.8%) for outdoor regulations. Approximately 33% supported the regulation to make outdoor healthcare campuses smoke-free, which was higher among third-year students compared to first-year students (APR=1.41; 95% CI: 1.24-1.62), among never smokers (41.4%; APR=2.84; 95% CI: 2.21-3.64) compared to smokers, and among those who were aware of the regulation (38.4%; 95% CI: 1.37-1.75).

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to SHS on university campuses is high. Nursing students express low support for strengthening outdoor smoking bans on hospital and university campuses. Interventions aiming to increase their support should be implemented.

Nearly one out of every five adult TB patients suffered from food insecurity in Grawa District, Eastern Ethiopia: a multicenter facility-based cross-sectional study

Background

Despite a dramatic decline in tuberculosis mortality over the past 10 years, tuberculosis is still the leading cause of death globally. In the last 2 years, tuberculosis has affected an estimated 10 million individuals, and 1.4 million people have died worldwide. In Ethiopia, the weight of the problem is less known in the study area. As a result, the purpose of this study was to assess food insecurity and associated factors among adult patients with tuberculosis attending public health facilities in Grawa district, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A multicenter facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 01 March to 31 March 2022, among 488 randomly selected adult tuberculosis patients on treatment follow-up at public health facilities in Grawa district, Eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire through a face-to-face interview and document review, entered into EpiData version 3.1, and analyzed using SPSS version 25. The prevalence was reported using a 95% confidence interval (CI) and summary measures. Predictors were assessed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis model and reported using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of <0.05.

Results

Overall, the prevalence of food insecurity among the study participants was 19.5%, with a 95% CI (15.8%, 23.2%). Factors such as being male [AOR = 0.58, 95% CI: (0.34, 0.97)], being married [AOR = 2.93, 95% CI: (1.33, 6.47)], being merchant [AOR = 0.22, 95% CI: (0.04, 0.67)], having low wealth quintiles [AOR = 2.10,95%CI:(1.04-4.23)], receiving anti-TB treatment for two or fewer months [AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: (0.26-0.91)], using khat [AOR = 2.18, 95% CI: (1.29, 3.70)], and owning livestock (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.29-0.94) were significantly associated with food insecurity.

Conclusions

According to this study, nearly one out of every five adults TB patients is food insecure. Factors such as being male, being married, being merchant, having low wealth quintiles, receiving anti-TB treatment for two or less months, those who chew mKhat and having a livestock were significantly associated with food insecurity. As a result, all stakeholders and concerned entities should prioritize improving the livelihood of TB patients through social security system programs, which are critical to the success of TB control and prevention efforts.

Nursing students' attitudes, behaviour, and knowledge toward smoking cessation: Results from a descriptive survey at a regional university

BACKGROUND

Smoking is the largest single cause of lifestyle-related preventable morbidity and mortality. Nurses form the largest cohort of health professionals and are strategically placed to implement smoking cessation interventions. However their capacity is underutilised, particularly in rural and remote areas in countries such as Australia where the incidence of smoking in is higher than average and access to healthcare is limited. One strategy to address the underutilisation of nurses in smoking cessation interventions is to include training in the university/college nursing curriculum. To effectively implement this training, it is vital to have an in-depth knowledge of student nurses' attitudes towards smoking including the role of healthcare professionals in smoking cessation, their smoking behaviour and that of their peers, and knowledge regarding smoking cessation techniques and resources.

OBJECTIVES

Investigate nursing students' attitudes, behaviour, and knowledge towards smoking cessation, determine the impact of demographics and educational experienced on these, and develop recommendations for future research and educational practice.

DESIGN

Descriptive survey.

PARTICIPANTS

Non-probability sample of undergraduate nursing students (n = 247) from a regional Australian university.

RESULTS

Significantly more participants had tried smoking cigarettes than had not (p = 0.026). There were no significant relationships between gender and smoking (p = 0.169) or e-cigarette use (p = 0.200), but a significant relationship was found between age and smoking status where older participants (48-57 years) were more likely to smoke (p < 0.001). Most participants (70 %) were supportive of public health measures to reduce cigarette smoking but felt that they lacked specific knowledge to assist their patients to cease smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

Within education there needs to be an emphasis on the central role that nurses play in smoking cessation with a greater focus on training nursing students about smoking cessation strategies and resources. There is also a need to ensure that students know it falls within their duty of care to address smoking cessation with patients.

Tobacco Use Among Dental Students in Morocco: Opportunities for Professional Cancer Education

The study aimed to evaluate tobacco use, attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions about tobacco control policies and smoking cessation counseling among dental students in Morocco. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Dentistry Faculty of the Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences of Casablanca, using the Global Health Professions Student Survey (GHPSS) tool. Participants completed a self-administered survey questionnaire, including information on socio-demographic characteristics, tobacco use, exposure to secondhand smoke, attitudes, behavior and cessation, curriculum, and training. A total of 426 dental students were included in the study. Over 15% of the participants were current smokers, and 31.2% had tried smoking at least once. About 29.3% reported having been exposed to secondhand smoke in family settings and 49.5% in other environments. The majority of the students had felt that health professionals were role models for their patients. However, only 20% had felt they had received formal training in smoking cessation approaches. More than 70% of smokers had tried to quit smoking in the past year; however, only 41.7% reported having received help or advice. It is crucial that education and public health officials join efforts to plan and carry out programs aimed at training dental students in evidence-based cessation counseling methods, in order to change their own smoking behavior and assist their future patients. Improving dental school curriculums with regard to tobacco use prevention and cessation is also a powerful means of alleviating the national burden of cancer.

Motives and Barriers for Regular Physical Activity among Medical Students from the Western Balkans (South-East Europe Region)

Regular physical activity (PA) has multiple beneficial effects on students' health, effectively reducing the risk of various non-communicable diseases. Various factors play a role in an individual's motivation to engage in and maintain regular PA. So far, no research dealing with the motives and barriers for regular PA among medical students has been conducted in the countries of the Western Balkans. The aim of this study was to identify the motives and barriers related to regular PA and compare them with different demographic, socioeconomic, and individual lifestyle factors among Western Balkans medical students. The research was conducted in a form of a cross-sectional study. It included 2452 medical students from 14 faculties in five countries (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Serbia). The most commonly reported motive of medical students for regular PA is to feel better, followed by stress reduction, to look better, the desire to lose weight, and to control chronic disease. PA improvement motives are more frequently associated with the female gender, more advanced years of study, a normal weight, above average household income, and a non-smoking status. Faculty obligations are the most common barrier for regular PA among medical students, followed by other barriers, such as financial situation, current life situation, and health conditions. Barriers are more frequently reported by male students who are overweight or obese, who have a below average income, and are smokers. It is necessary for public health authorities to examine and take into account the perceived motives and barriers when forming activities and policies that aim at increasing the level of PA, in order to enhance the health of the student population.

A balancing act-finding one´s way to health and well-being: A qualitative analysis of interviews with Swedish university students on lifestyle and behavior change

INTRODUCTION

Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as unhealthy diets, low physical activity levels, smoking, and harmful alcohol consumption are common in student populations, which constitute a large group of young adults. As unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are associated with future disease and premature mortality, most commonly from cardiovascular disease and cancers, it is from a public health perspective important to understand such behaviors in young adult populations. The objective of this study was to investigate university students' experiences of health, health-related behaviors, and the barriers and facilitators for behavior change in terms of health promotion in everyday life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This qualitative study was conducted at a middle-sized university in Sweden. Students represented different faculties and were recruited via non-probability convenience sampling using means such as the snowball technique and social media. The 21 interviews with 24 students, individually or in groups, were transcribed verbatim prior to a qualitative analysis inspired by phenomenological hermeneutics.

RESULTS

Our interviews showed that university student life is associated with new health-related challenges, for example study-related stress and procrastination implies a lack of energy to engage in healthy routines such as physical activity, and a limited budget affects food choices. While adapting to a new context, students explore personal strategies such as taking on changes in manageable steps, seeking social support, and avoiding disturbances to maintaining health and quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Experiences of health while becoming and being a university student can be described as a transition-a balancing act of walking a slack line-during which students seek to manage a healthy balance. In the past, interventions have to some extent been designed to address university students' behaviors; however, our study aids an understanding of their needs. Future interventions should highlight the transitions they are experiencing and the challenges of student life.

Perceptions and preparedness toward tobacco cessation counseling amongst clinical medical students in Chongqing, Southwest China: A cross-sectional study

Background

Medical students play an indispensable role in providing smoking cessation counseling. Despite the rapid increase in tobacco use, there is little data on what Chinese medical students know or are taught about it. This study aims to investigate the relationship between medical students' tobacco education level, clinical experience, and tobacco cessation counseling (TCC) provided by medical students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out among clinical medical students of Chongqing medical university. An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire included items on demographic information, perceptions, and perceived preparedness, clinical medical students' self-reported level of education about alternative tobacco products, and traditional cigarettes. We assessed their perspectives toward TCC using a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were carried out.

Results

A total of 1,263 medical students completed the questionnaire. The majority of students (85%) expressed a willingness to provide TCC to patients in need. However, only half of the students stated unequivocally that they knew some ways and methods of tobacco cessation, while 18% stated that they did not know methods of tobacco cessation. Tobacco education and clinical experience were significantly associated with the ability to provide TCC. Our findings revealed that students with more clinical experience (undergraduates: B = 0.326, P &lt; 0.001; postgraduates: B = 0.518, P &lt; 0.001) were significantly more likely to have a greater self-reported comprehensive ability to provide TCC.

Conclusion

Tobacco education and clinical experience can enhance the ability of medical students to provide smoking cessation counseling. There is a need to focus on alternative tobacco products with changing times, and curriculum planners should collaborate to incorporate comprehensive tobacco prevention and cessation training into the medical school curriculum.

Cigarette Smoking among Medical Students from the Western Balkan

University student's smoking is a significant public health problem. It is estimated that, globally, every fifth medical student is a smoker. So far, no research dealing with cigarette smoking among medical students has been conducted in the countries of the Western Balkans. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and risk factors of cigarette smoking among Western Balkans medical students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2452 students from 14 medical faculties in the Western Balkans (Republic of Slovenia, Republic of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of North Macedonia and Republic of Serbia). The data were gathered through an online survey. There were significantly more non-smokers than smokers among medical students. Only gender and parents smoking status were statistically significantly associated with students smoking status. The smokers were more often male students, who lived in urban areas prior their studies, and whose parents were both smokers. With the aim of monitoring and enhancing student population health, it is necessary for public health activists and health officials to continually survey the students' smoking status in order to recognize the smoking influencing factors, and form and take on appropriate activities to improve the prevention of cigarette smoking among students, as well as motivate those who smoke to give up smoking, which would contribute to improving the health of the student population.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Training in Tobacco Dependence and Cessation Treatment Among Nursing Students in Catalonia (ECTEC Study): Cross-Sectional Study

Nursing students are part of the future health labor force; thus, knowing their knowledge and participation in tobacco control is of importance. Multicentre cross-sectional study conducted to assess nursing students' knowledge, attitudes, and training in tobacco dependence and treatment at 15 nursing schools in Catalonia. We employed a self-administered questionnaire. 4,381 students participated. Few respondents (21.1%) knew how to assess smokers' nicotine dependence, and less than half (41.4%) knew about the smoking cessation therapies. Most (80%) had been educated on the health risks of smoking, 50% about the reasons why people smoke and, one third on how to provide cessation aid. Students in the last years of training were more likely to have received these two contents. Nursing students lack sufficient knowledge to assess and treat tobacco dependence and are rarely trained in such subjects. Nursing curricula in tobacco dependence and treatment should be strengthened to tackle the first preventable cause of disease worldwide.

The extent of formal tobacco cessation training received by student health professionals and the prevalence of tobacco use among them: a cross-sectional study

Background: Advice from health care professionals (HCPs) is critical for tobacco prevention and cessation efforts. The academic curricula for health care professional students (HCS) lack comprehensive training in assisting patients in tobacco cessation. Tobacco use among HCP’s deters them from giving proper tobacco prevention and cessation guidance. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of tobacco consumption in third-year students of four health care disciplines (medical, dental, pharmacy, and nursing) and to assess their undergraduate education on tobacco control and cessation. Methods:  A web-based survey (response rate 84.4%) employing the Global Health Professions Student Survey (GHPSS) questionnaire; n= 838; [20.89 (SD± 0.94) years] was conducted in Mysore, India. A descriptive, comparative and multivariate analysis was performed. Results: The number of students who received formal training in smoking cessation approaches was only 14.04%. In total, two-thirds of medical students, compared to 38.9% of dental, 29.7% of pharmacy, and 11.40 % of nursing students, learned “the reasons why people smoke” as a part of their formal training. However, only less than a quarter of the study population were aware of the role of antidepressants in nicotine cessation medications. The total prevalence of tobacco use was 28.9%. A total of 37.72% wanted to quit smoking, while a mere 1.2% had sought any professional help to do so. Conclusions: Tobacco use in HCS, apart from personal health risks to themselves, may potentially affect their future commitment to support patients in tobacco cessation. There is a need for further research into tobacco prevention and cessation programs tailored to the needs of student groups. There is a need for an updated curriculum for tobacco cessation strategies and more research into better cessation strategies.

The extent of formal tobacco cessation training received by student health professionals and the prevalence of tobacco use among them: a cross-sectional study

Background: Advice from health care professionals (HCPs) is critical for tobacco prevention and cessation efforts. The academic curricula for health care professional students (HCS) lack comprehensive training in assisting patients in tobacco cessation. Tobacco use among HCP’s deters them from giving proper tobacco prevention and cessation guidance. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of tobacco consumption in third-year students of four health care disciplines (medical, dental, pharmacy, and nursing) and to assess their undergraduate education on tobacco control and cessation. Methods:  A web-based survey (response rate 84.4%) employing the Global Health Professions Student Survey (GHPSS) questionnaire; n= 838; [20.89 (SD± 0.94) years] was conducted in Mysore, India. A descriptive, comparative and multivariate analysis was performed. Results: The number of students who received formal training in smoking cessation approaches was only 14.04%. In total, two-thirds of medical students, compared to 38.9% of dental, 29.7% of pharmacy, and 11.40 % of nursing students, learned “the reasons why people smoke” as a part of their formal training. However, only less than a quarter of the study population were aware of the role of antidepressants in nicotine cessation medications. The total prevalence of tobacco use was 28.9%. A total of 37.72% wanted to quit smoking, while a mere 1.2% had sought any professional help to do so. Conclusions: Tobacco use in HCS, apart from personal health risks to themselves, may potentially affect their future commitment to support patients in tobacco cessation. There is a need for further research into tobacco prevention and cessation programs tailored to the needs of student groups. There is a need for an updated curriculum for tobacco cessation strategies and more research into better cessation strategies.

Tobacco Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco Use among Domestic and International Medical Students in Hungary

Medical students as future physicians will have an important role in tobacco control; therefore, their tobacco use behavior is of particular interest. Consumption of combustible tobacco (cigarettes, waterpipes, cigars, and pipes) is prevalent throughout Europe, whereas smokeless tobacco use is common mainly in the Nordic countries. Objectives: Aim of our study is to assess tobacco use among medical students from different countries studying in Hungary with special focus on students from Norway where smokeless tobacco is widely used. A self-administered questionnaire survey was carried out to measure current tobacco use. Results: The survey included 1337 students from Hungary, Norway, Germany, and from other countries (Multinational group). The lowest prevalence of cigarette smoking was found among students from Norway (13.0%) when compared with students from Hungary (21.5%), Germany (34.2%), or with students in the Multinational group (29.5%). Conversely, prevalence of smokeless tobacco use was the highest among students from Norway (40.9%) when compared with students from Hungary (1.4%), Germany (2.6%), or with students in the Multinational group (6.2%). Waterpipes, cigars, and pipes were rarely used, mostly only 1-3 times a month in all groups. More than half of Norwegian students used some form of tobacco (smokeless and/or combustible tobacco). Conclusions: Considering the impending role of medical students in tobacco control, faculties of medicine should sensitize their students on the topic of possible health risks associated with combustible and smokeless tobacco products. Culturally tailored tobacco cessation programs need to be offered to medical students coming from different cultural backgrounds.

Prevalence of smoking among health science students in Vietnam in 2018 and associated factors: A cross-sectional study

Smoking is a global health problem among health science students. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of smoking and to examine associated factors among health science students from five universities in Vietnam. Among 5946 participants (95.0% response rate), the smoking prevalence was 19.2% (95% CI:17.4–21.0%) among male students and 2.9% (95% CI:2.4–3.5%) among female students. In the multivariable regression models, significant factors for smoking were the perceived financial burden, the respondent’s year in university, a non-self-determined motivation profile, self-reported depression and/or anxiety, the level of vigorous physical activity, and alcohol drinking.

Prevalence of tobacco use, exposure to secondhand smoke and knowledge on smoking cessation among students of health professions in Central Greece: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke among students of health professions (SHPs) and determine possible risk factors for current smoking. In addition, we sought to investigate the level of students' knowledge regarding smoking cessation.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING

Central Greece.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenient sample of 822 SHP volunteers were used, composed of 365 medical students, 123 students from a biochemistry department, 71 students from a nursing department, 176 from medical laboratory department and 84 students from a veterinary medicine department.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

We investigated the prevalence of current smoking and secondhand smoke, their determinants and SHP's knowledge and attitudes regarding smoking cessation. Univariate and logistic regression statistical analysis were used in order to identify risk factors associated with current smoking.

RESULTS

The prevalence of current smoking was estimated at 23.5% (95% CI 20.7% to 26.5%), while 49% of current smokers reported they wanted to quit smoking. The prevalence of current e-cigarette use was 1.2%. In addition, 96.5% (95% CI 94.9% to 97.5%) of SHP have been exposed to secondhand smoke at least 1 day per week. Logistic regression analysis showed that increasing age (p<0.001), alcohol consumption (p<0.001) and exposure to secondhand smoke in the home (p<0.001) were independent risk factors for current smoking. Notably, only 11.6% of the participants had learnt about methods to be used for smoking cessation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results underline the need for integrated tobacco control initiatives that should discourage tobacco use among SHP, promote smoke free schools of health science, and implement programs that train SHP in effective cessation-counseling techniques.

Prevalence of Smoking among Medical Students in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Introduction:

Tobacco smoking is one of the most important preventable risk factors for non-communicable diseases. It has been seen that medical students have a higher frequency of smoking compared to the general population. This study aims to determine the prevalence of smoking among third-year medical students in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Nepal.

Methods:

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the hospital’s third-year undergraduate medical students over a four-month period (October 2019 to January 2020). Ethical clearance was received from the Institutional Review Committee of Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital. The whole sampling technique was used to collect data. The Global Health Professional Students Survey questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis was done in the statistical package for social sciences.

Results:

The prevalence of current smoking among selected medical students of Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital is 34 (30.1%), majority male 26 (23%). Fifty-six (49.4%) of them had ever smoked cigarettes in their life, and 27 (23.9%) had their first cigarette in late adolescence. The number of students who used other forms of tobacco was comparatively lower i.e. 6 (5.3%). Many of the students 53 (46.9%) were exposed to second-hand smoke both at home and in public, while 18 (15.9) exposed only at public places, and 6 (5.3%) only at home.

Conclusions:

Our study has concluded that there is a notable prevalence of smoking among the participants. This points to the need for specific training sessions in their clinical years about smoking cessation for themselves and regarding counseling for patients.

Smoking in nursing students: A prevalence multicenter study

The role of nursing students as future health promoters of healthy behaviors is influenced by their attitude towards smoking. A cross-sectional study using a self-administered survey was performed to analyze smoking prevalence among undergraduate the nursing students who attend nursing faculties in 2 European countries (Spain and Portugal) during academic period 2015 to 2016. A total of 1469 subjects were surveyed (response rate of 79.8%). An 80% of the students were female with a mean age of 21.9 (4.8) years. The overall prevalence of tobacco use was 18.9%, with an average percentage of 16.2% in Portugal and 18.3% in Spain. Statistical significance was observed in relation to smoke and previous studies (16.4% vs 27.1%; P < .001). Only 1.1% of the students reported using electronic cigarette. 15.8% of smokers started smoking while at university with statistical gender and previous studies differences (P < .001). Fagerström and Richmond test showed low nicotine dependence (2.8 ± 2) and moderate motivation to stop smoking (4.9 ± 3), respectively. Smoking prevalence among nursing students was slightly higher than the general European population. For that reason, measures to reduce tobacco use have to be focused on students and university policies on tobacco control should be a challenge in the future.

Smoking behaviour among nursing students: attitudes toward smoking cessation

Introduction

The purpose of the study was to assess tobacco smoking habits among nursing students and how these are influenced by family members and cohabitants.

Methods

Cross-sectional study. An anonymous paper questionnaire was administered to nursing students of the three-year course of the University of Palermo. Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) are presented.

Results

301 nursing students (63.12 % female) completed the questionnaire (response rate 61.17%). The average age of the sample is 21.88 years (SD ± 2.80). Considering as a dependent variable: "I currently smoke", the statistically significant independent variables associated are: "Male gender" (aOR 2.09), "Single" (aOR 2.06), "Second year of study of the degree course in nursing" (aOR 0.46), "Third year of study of the degree course in nursing" (aOR 0.43), "Don't think that warnings and pictures on cigarette packs can help stop smoking" (aOR 6.38), "Mother smoked in the past" (aOR 2.25) and "Brother or sister smoked in the past" (aOR 5.50).

Conclusions

Students and graduate nurses need to be aware of current knowledge in the smoking cessation field and they have an influential role in modifying patient behavior in order to assist them to smoking cessation.

Knowledge and use of e-cigarettes among nursing students: results from a cross-sectional survey in north-eastern Italy

Background

Data on electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among health professional students, who can play a central role in promoting healthy habits and smoking cessation, are sparse. Moreover, the association between e-cigarettes and smoking habits is still debated. The present study aimed to investigate the diffusion of e-cigarette use among nursing students in north-eastern Italy and explore its association with tobacco smoking.

Methods

In 2015, a questionnaire focused on e-cigarette use and tobacco smoking habits was anonymously administered to 2020 students attending nursing courses held by Verona University in 5 different centres. Of these students, 1463 (72.4%) answered the questionnaire. The influence of e-cigarette ever use on both tobacco smoking initiation in all subjects and smoking cessation among ever smokers was investigated by multivariable logistic models.

Results

Most responders were female (77.1%), and the mean (SD) age was 23.2 (4.2) years. Nearly all students (94.7%) had heard about e-cigarettes. Approximately one-third (30.3, 95% CI 27.9–32.7%) had ever used e-cigarettes, but only 2.1% (1.5–3.0%) had used e-cigarettes in the last month. Very few (2.1%) of those responders who had never used e-cigarettes were willing to try them. Prevalence values were much higher for tobacco smoking: 40.9% of responders reported being current tobacco smokers, and 10.1% reported being past smokers. Ever use and current use of e-cigarettes were reported by 57.2 and 4.4% of current tobacco smokers and by 12.0 and 0.6% of never or past smokers, respectively (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, students who ever used e-cigarettes had 13 times greater odds of being an ever tobacco smoker than never users, whereas they had three times lower odds of being a former smoker.

Only 26 students were currently using both electronic and tobacco cigarettes, and most declared that they used e-cigarettes to stop or reduce tobacco smoking. Of note, only three students reported that they had completely stopped smoking thanks to e-cigarette use.

Conclusion

Use of e-cigarettes seemed to be rather rare among Italian nursing students and was mainly restricted to current smokers. E-cigarette use was not associated with smoking cessation in nursing students.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7250-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.