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01-02-2012 | Original Article

Tobacco use prevalence, knowledge and attitudes, and tobacco cessation training among medical students: results of a pilot study of Global Health Professions Students Survey (GHPSS) in Italy

Authors: Maria Rosaria Gualano, Roberta Siliquini, Lamberto Manzoli, Alberto Firenze, Maria Sofia Cattaruzza, Fabrizio Bert, Davide Renzi, Nino Romano, Walter Ricciardi, Antonio Boccia, Giuseppe La Torre

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Aim

The aims of this study were to examine tobacco use prevalence, knowledge and attitudes, and tobacco cessation training among students attending Italian medical schools using the Global Health Professions Student Survey approach and to identify possible factors associated with smoking status.

Subjects and Methods

A multicentre cross-sectional pilot study was carried out in five Italian Schools of Medicine from March to April 2009. Questionnaires were administered in anonymous, voluntary and self-administered form to third year students attending medical schools. The outcome measure was “being a current smoker”. A logistic regression was used to evaluate possible factors associated with smoking status.

Results

The prevalence of current smokers was 31.4%. More than half considered health professionals as models for patients, and around 90% thought health professionals have a role in giving advice or information about smoking cessation. Only 5.8% of responders had received smoking cessation training during medical school. Medical students who considered healthcare professionals as behavioural models had lower likelihood of smoking (OR = 0.52).

Conclusions

Given the high prevalence of smokers among medical students and the poorness of smoking cessation programmes, it is important to create tobacco control training programmes addressed to healthcare students.

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Title: Tobacco use prevalence, knowledge and attitudes, and tobacco cessation training among medical students: results of a pilot study of Global Health Professions Students Survey (GHPSS) in Italy
Authors: Maria Rosaria Gualano
Roberta Siliquini
Lamberto Manzoli
Alberto Firenze
Maria Sofia Cattaruzza
Fabrizio Bert
Davide Renzi
Nino Romano
Walter Ricciardi
Antonio Boccia
Giuseppe La Torre
Publication date: 01-02-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-011-0442-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Tobacco use prevalence, knowledge and attitudes, and tobacco cessation training among medical students: results of a pilot study of Global Health Professions Students Survey (GHPSS) in Italy

Abstract

Aim

Subjects and Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subjects and Methods

Results

Conclusions

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