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Changes in smoking prevalence among Finnish physicians 1990-2001
Noël C Barengo1, Patrick H Sandström, Vesa J Jormanainen
1Department of Public Health and General Practice, University of Kuopio, Finland. noel.barengo@uku.fi
European Journal of Public Health
|July 3, 2004
Summary
Physician smoking rates in Finland decreased by 1995 and then stabilized. Further reductions in physician smoking require targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Physician smoking habits are a key indicator of public health trends.
- Understanding trends in physician smoking is crucial for developing effective health policies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in smoking behaviors among Finnish physicians from 1990 to 2001.
- To identify trends in daily and occasional smoking prevalence within this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three independent, cross-sectional surveys conducted via mail.
- Employed self-administered questionnaires to gather data on smoking behavior, knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
- Data collected from Finnish physicians in 1990, 1995, and 2001.
Main Results:
- Daily smoking prevalence declined between 1990 and 1995 for both male and female physicians.
- Smoking rates remained stable between 1995 and 2001.
- In 2001, daily smoking was reported by 7% of men and 4% of women; highest among older male physicians.
- Occasional smoking was more common in younger physicians.
Conclusions:
- Physician smoking prevalence in Finland is low and has plateaued since 1995.
- Achieving further reductions necessitates tailored, physician-specific intervention strategies.
- Targeted approaches are essential for addressing both daily and occasional smoking among physicians.