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[Smoking and spirometric values in third year medical students: cross-sectional study]
Victor Hugo Fernández1, Mariela Edith Beligoy2, Yessica Vanesa Lima2
1Instituto Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Fundación Héctor A. Barceló, Santo Tomé, Corrientes, Argentina. Address: Facultad de Medicina, Sede Santo Tomé, Corrientes, Argentina, Rivadavia y Centeno, C.P. 3340, Argentina.
Medwave
|April 29, 2015
Summary
A study found 26.4% of medical students smoke, with males smoking more. Smoking was linked to poorer lung function, highlighting the need for early physician education on smoking cessation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Public Health
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Smoking prevalence among medical students is a global concern.
- Understanding smoking habits and their impact on lung function is crucial for future healthcare professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of cigarette smoking among third-year medical students.
- To investigate the relationship between smoking and lung function indicators.
- To assess smoking habits and attitudes in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted in October 2014.
- Spirometry was performed using a Flowmax 2 spirometer.
- A 36-question survey, including the Fagerström test, was administered.
Main Results:
- 26.4% of 227 medical students were smokers, with males smoking more.
- Smokers showed a significant association with obstructive ventilatory patterns (p = 0.017).
- Moderate to high tobacco dependence was observed in 25% of males and 8.4% of females.
Conclusions:
- Medical students need encouragement to quit smoking and awareness of secondhand smoke risks.
- Future physicians must understand smoking consequences and prioritize patient education and prevention.
- Early role modeling by physicians regarding smoking is essential.
