[A national survey on smoking habit among health care workers in Chile]

Worldwide, smoking is the main avoidable cause of death among adults.

To study smoking habits among health care workers in Chile.

A national survey about smoking among subjects working in the Chilean Ministry of Health. An anonymous and self administered enquiry was used.

The enquiry was answered by 20,848 employees, corresponding to 58% of the total universe of workers. There was an overall prevalence of smoking of 40.7%. Sixty four percent of smokers did it daily and their mean consumption was 7 cigarettes per day. Smoking was more common among men than women (43 and 39.6%, respectively). Also, nicotine addiction was also more common among men (16.5 and 11.7%, respectively). The prevalence of smoking decreased along with age. Journalists, guards, students and paramedics had the higher prevalence of smoking. Physicians, teachers and nutritionists had the lower prevalence. Although physicians had the lower frequency of smoking, they had the higher prevalence of nicotine addiction. Forty five percent of smokers were interested in therapies to quit, 69% did not allow smoking at home and 89% agreed with smoking restrictions in work places.

The prevalence of smoking among health care workers is similar to that of the general population in Chile.