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Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology
Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 1/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Research

Berlin's medical students' smoking habits, knowledge about smoking and attitudes toward smoking cessation counseling

Authors: Bianca Kusma, David Quarcoo, Karin Vitzthum, Tobias Welte, Stefanie Mache, Andreas Meyer-Falcke, David A Groneberg, Tobias Raupach

Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Background

Diseases associated with smoking are a foremost cause of premature death in the world, both in developed and developing countries. Eliminating smoking can do more to improve health and prolong life than any other measure in the field of preventive medicine. Today's medical students will play a prominent role in future efforts to prevent and control tobacco use.

Methods

A cross-sectional, self-administered, anonymous survey of fifth-year medical students in Berlin, Germany was conducted in November 2007. The study explored the prevalence of smoking among medical students. We assessed their current knowledge regarding tobacco dependence and the effectiveness of smoking cessation methods. Students' perceived competence to counsel smokers and promote smoking cessation treatments was also explored. Analyses were based on responses from 258 students (86.6% response rate).

Results

One quarter of the medical students surveyed were current smokers. The smoking rate was 22.1% among women, 32.4% among men. Students underestimated smoking-related mortality and the negative effect of smoking on longevity. A considerable number of subjects erroneously assumed that nicotine causes coronary artery disease. Students' overall knowledge of the effectiveness of smoking cessation methods was inadequate. Only one third of the students indicated that they felt qualified to counsel patients about tobacco dependence.

Conclusions

This study reveals serious deficiencies in knowledge and counseling skills among medical students in our sample. The curriculum of every medical school should include a tobacco module. Thus, by providing comprehensive training in nicotine dependence interventions to medical students, smokers will have access to the professional expertise they need to quit smoking.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Berlin's medical students' smoking habits, knowledge about smoking and attitudes toward smoking cessation counseling
Authors
Bianca Kusma
David Quarcoo
Karin Vitzthum
Tobias Welte
Stefanie Mache
Andreas Meyer-Falcke
David A Groneberg
Tobias Raupach
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6673
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6673-5-9

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