Changing habits and attitudes towards smoking among future physicians
G H Tee1, N H Noran, H Farizah
1Institute for Public Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia. ghiong88@yahoo.com
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
|August 19, 2008
Summary
Future physicians in Malaysia demonstrate lower smoking knowledge and more favorable attitudes towards smoking if they smoke. This study highlights the importance of addressing physician smoking habits for public health advocacy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Public Health
- Tobacco Control
Background:
- Physician smoking habits impact their credibility as health advocates.
- Understanding future physicians' smoking behaviors is crucial for effective public health strategies in Malaysia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the smoking habits, knowledge, and attitudes of future physicians in Malaysia.
- To determine the relationship between smoking status and knowledge/attitude scores among medical students.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students at the University of Malaya.
- Knowledge was assessed using a 6-point scale, and attitude using a 10-50 point scale.
- Response rate was 79.4%.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of smoking among medical students was 4.4%.
- Smokers had significantly lower mean knowledge scores (4.30) compared to non-smokers (5.19).
- Non-smokers exhibited higher mean attitude scores (44.30) than smokers (39.86).
Conclusions:
- Smoking prevalence among future Malaysian physicians is lower than in previous studies.
- Lower knowledge and less favorable attitudes towards smoking are associated with smoking status in medical students.
- Interventions targeting smoking cessation and education are vital for future physicians.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
Lifestyle factors play a critical role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Key elements, such as regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and abstinence from smoking, can significantly enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being while reducing the risk of several life-threatening conditions.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...
01:29Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a multifaceted approach to reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, improve overall health status, and slow disease progression. Key strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, supportive therapies, and, in some cases, surgery. Here is an overview of the primary COPD management strategies:
Smoking Cessation
Smoking Cessation
01:30Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Adopting a healthier lifestyle often requires overcoming significant challenges, but leveraging psychological, social, and cultural resources can facilitate meaningful change. Effective self-change hinges on understanding and applying key tools such as motivation and goal setting, which help sustain efforts toward long-term health benefits.
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...