Global Health Professions Student Survey (GHPSS) in Tobacco Control in China

To examine the prevalence of smoking, second-hand smoke exposure, and attitudes toward tobacco control and cessation training among university students in China.

We administered the Global Health Professions Student Survey (GHPSS) to students from 50 universities offering medical/ health professional (MHP) programs and received 11,954 responses. Non-MHP students, MHP students, and third-year MHP students comprised the sample. Descriptive statistics were calculated for weighted prevalence and 95% confidence intervals. Key factors of interest and attitudes toward medical smoking cessation were examined using logistic regression.

Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke was higher among non-MHP (15.9%, 31.9%) than MHP (7.0%, 21.2%) students. For third-year MHP students, the rates were 6.9% and 19.7%, respectively. Students held positive attitudes toward smoking bans in public places and cessation services. However, few received formal training in smoking cessation, and 37.0% agreed that light cigarettes are less harmful to health. Positive attitudes toward cessation services were related to several factors.

This study is the first comprehensive survey of students in China providing direction for building capacity in tobacco control and smoking cessation among students in health professional programs.