Smoking Behaviors and Attitudes among Physicians Working at Mosul Medical City

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: Smoking is an established risk factor for many diseases and is one of the
most important and preventable public health problems worldwide. The WHO has stated
clearly that health professionals can have a significant influence on the smoking habits of
a community.
Objectives: This study was done to describe the smoking behaviors and attitudes about
tobacco use and tobacco control among physicians working at Mosul medical city.
Methods: Hospital based cross-sectional study conducted at Mosul Medical City from the
1st of December, 2012 to the end of May, 2013. All physicians (from both genders)
working at Mosul Medical City invited to participate in this study and 514 physicians
agreed to participate. An anonymous, self-administered, standardized questionnaire was
used.
Results: The prevalence of cigarette smoking among study sample was 18.3%. However;
when stratified by sex, the prevalence among males and females physicians were 30.7%
and 0.5% respectively. The mean number of cigarettes smoked per day by the current
smokers was 16.3 cigarettes. Heavy smokers constituted 23%. In general, most of the
physicians hold positive attitudes towards smoking with some significant differences
between "Current" and "Never" smokers. The prevalence of waterpipe smoking was 23%
among male and 0.5% among female physicians.
Conclusion: This study indicates that the frequency distribution of cigarettes smoking
among male physicians was higher than expected for persons who understand the related
problems of smoking. So, steps need to be taken at a national level to address the fight
against tobacco.
Keywords: Smoking, Cigarette, Behaviors, Attitudes, Physicians.