[Smoking habits, knowledge and attitude of pulmonologists concerning problems of smoking in Poland]

An analysis was carried out on 850 self-report questionnaires sent to Polish pulmonologists on their knowledge and attitude toward smoking. In the sampled population 38% of the males and 29% of females smoked. Smoking was dated as first among various noxious factors in human pathology. The knowledge of harmful effect of smoking was restricted to the cardio-respiratory system. Part of the responders, mainly smokers believe that smoking less than 15 cigarettes is harmless. ++Ex-smokers were most active in smoking cessation programs. Knowledge of harmful effect of smoking and cessation programs by physicians is unsatisfactory and teaching programs concerning this problem is mandatory.