Nurses and smoking: a comparative study of students of nursing and teaching

This exploratory study compared three student groups (n = 221)--college student nurses, hospital student nurses and student teachers--in terms of their smoking behaviour, factors influencing smoking and their beliefs and values. More student nurses, both hospital and college students, smoked than student teachers while more hospital student nurses were smoking than college student nurses. The majority of students who smoked started smoking before they started their nursing and teaching courses. The influence of friends was the most important factor in starting smoking while enjoyment was the main reason for continuing to smoke. The risks in smoking were acknowledged by all groups. Student nurses were more likely to believe that smoking reduces stress levels. Hospital student nurses and student teachers were unconvinced about the health promotion role of nurses.