Author/Authors :
Jradi, H. King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, National Guard Health Affairs - College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Saudi Arabia , Wewers, M.E. Ohio State University - College of Public Health, USA , Pirie, P.P. Ohio State University - College of Public Health, USA , Binkley, P.F. Ohio State University - College of Public Health, USA , Ferketich, A.K. Ohio State University - College of Public Health, USA
Abstract :
As future physicians capable of controlling tobacco dependence in the population, medical students are considered a main target for tobacco control interventions. This cross-sectional study reported on the prevalence of tobacco use (cigarettes and waterpipes) and associated knowledge and behaviour among 6th-year medical students in 2009–2010 from 6 medical schools in Lebanon. The self-administered questionnaire based on the Global Health Professional Survey (GHPSS) core questions also enquired about training in tobacco cessation approaches. All enrolled students were asked to participate; the response rate was 191/354 (54.3%). The prevalence of tobacco use was 26.3% for cigarettes and 29.5% for waterpipes. Smoking waterpipes was the only significant predictor for cigarette smoking and there was no difference by sex and socioeconomic status. A minority reported ever receiving any formal training in treatment approaches for tobacco dependence. Medical schools should include tobacco dependence treatment training programmes in their curriculum and discourage tobacco use.
