Changes in smoking prevalence and attitudes to smoking among Japanese physicians between 2000 and 2004

To estimate smoking prevalence among Japanese physicians in 2004, clarify their attitudes towards smoking, and compare and examine the results of the 2004 survey with those of the 2000 survey.

Cross-sectional study.

Among members of the Japan Medical Association, 3000 male and 1500 female physicians were selected at random, and mailed self-administered, anonymous questionnaires. The survey was conducted between February and July 2004. Data from 3633 respondents were analysed.

Smoking prevalence among males in 2004 was 21.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 19.9-23.1%], which was significantly lower than that found in 2000 (27.1%; 95%CI 25.4-28.8%). Smoking prevalence among females in 2004 was 5.4% (95%CI 4.1-6.7%), which was not significantly different from that in 2000 (6.8%; 95%CI 5.4-8.2%). For nicotine dependency, no significant differences were observed for male or female physicians between 2004 and 2000. The percentages of respondents who agreed that 'physicians should not smoke' and 'patients should not smoke' increased in both males and females. The proportion of physicians that actively encouraged smoking cessation also increased in 2004.

There were some favourable changes in anti-smoking behaviour among Japanese physicians between 2000 and 2004. However, several problems still need to be resolved, and further anti-smoking measures are required.