Smoking among health care providers, identification of associated factors in Hilla City during the year 2011

الملخص EN

Background : Smoking is an established risk factors for many diseases and is one of the most important 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 : To determine the prevalence of cigarette smoking among healthcare providers in Al-Hilla city and the association between smoking and different variables.

Methodology : A cross-sectional study was done from April, 2011 through May, 2011 in three major hospitals and four primary healthcare centers in Al-Hilla city.

Data collection was done using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire.

Results : The study included 545 health care professionals.

The mean age and standard deviation of the study group is 35 ± 9.7.

The male : female ratio is 2.2:1.

The prevalence of current cigarette smokers among male physicians, pharmacists, and paramedics are 30.9 %, 40 %, 23.4 %, respectively.

The overall prevalence among male health professionals is 26 %.

While the current cigarette smoking rate is 1.6 % among female healthcare providers.

Sixty four percent of smokers started their cigarette smoking habit at the age range 10-20 years.

About 1 / 3 of them smoke one cigarette pack or more per day (heavy smokers).

And half of them smoked for more than 10 years.

1 / 3 of the study group had participated in seminars or courses against smoking habit.

Conclusion : in conclusion, we found that the prevalence rate of cigarette smoking was higher than expected for persons who understand the related problems of smoking.