Smoking among Health Care Providers, Identification of Associated Factors in Hilla City during the Year 2011

Alwan Baey, Hassan; Mohammed Ali Wahhudi, Mustafa; Mohammed Hashim, Hassan; Haider Ali, Osama; Nadhim, Nada; Adnan Shamkhi, Ban

	Smoking among Health Care Providers, Identification of Associated Factors in Hilla City during the Year 2011
Medical Journal of Babylon
Article 1, Volume 8, Issue 4, 2011, Pages 569-581
Authors
Hassan Alwan Baey; Mustafa Mohammed Ali Wahhudi; Hassan Mohammed Hashim; Osama Haider Ali; Nada Nadhim; Ban Adnan Shamkhi
Abstract
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.

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