Attitudes towards Tobacco Consumption among Healthcare Professionals in a Tertiary Referral Centre in Pakistan

Background: The healthcare professionals (HPs) can play a pivotal role in tobacco cessationPrograms in any society. The HPs are often regarded as a role model for the community in developing nations like Pakistan. Ironically the smoking HPs may be a hindrance in the success of such programs. Little literature exits on the prevalence of tobacco consumption among HPs in Pakistan. Aim: To establish the prevalence of tobacco consumption among HPs in a tertiary referral centre in Pakistan. Methods: A cross sectional study using a questionnaire with or without interviews of the participants. A total of 200 HPs were approached and were invited to participate voluntarily. The data was collected and analysed using SPSS. Results : A total of 152 questionnaires were completed (response rate=76%), which included male doctors (n = 24), female doctors (n =14), nursing staff (n = 80) and paramedics (n=34). Male respondents totaled 70 (46%) whilst 82 (53.9%) were females. Overall smoking rate was 14.5%. However no female participants smoked; 33.8% of male physicians and 30.4% of male paramedics were current smokers. Health education and higher cost of cigarettes were regarded as the most effective anti-smoking strategies. Conclusion: There is a significant trend of tobacco consumption in the form of smoking among male HPs. It would seem logical to address smoking among HPs s that they can play an effective role in smoking cessation programs.