[Who smoke at a general hospital? Clinical comment]

Tobacco consumption is a public health problem. Hospitals are not free of this circumstance because there are smokers inside these institutions; thus, it is important to identify who smoke in hospitals.

A general survey with closed questions was carried out among 659 workers at a tertiary level general hospital. Smoking habit was positive in 184 employees and negative in 475. The majority of smokers were married and worked in the administrative offices, 46 of which belong to the medical area. Academic level was not an important determinant for tobacco consumption. The habit began between 10 to 20 years of age, mainly in relation with a sensation of pleasure, relaxation, and the need to smoke.

The main site for smoking was the working area, 70% of nonsmokers are converted passive non-voluntary smokers. It is important to take actions to avoid tobacco smoking in hospitals in pursuit of a hospital environment free of tobacco smoke.