[Tobacco smoking and e-cigarettes using among employees of educational units in Piotrkowski county]

Tobacco related diseases in Poland generate very high costs, significantly contributing to the reduction of the development potential of the country. Despite the reduction in the prevalence of smoking over the past decades, in our country smokes nearly 10 million of adult citizens. The prevalence of smoking is different across socio-economic groups and among representatives of various professions. Employees of educational units are a particular occupational group as their attitudes toward smoking significantly may shape the health behaviors of students. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of smoking and use of e-cigarettes among employees of educational units in Piotrkowski county. Furthermore the prevalence of e-cigarettes was examined.

During the period from November 2014 and May 2015, 1858 employees working in 60 schools (92,3% of all schools) in Piotrkowski county were examined. For the purpose of collecting empirical material among the personnel employed in schools included in the study, a questionnare survey adopted from the study Global School Personnel Survey (GSPS) was applied.

Among the teachers 17.3% of respondents (n=181) said they smoke tobacco daily, while 3.8% of respondents (n=40) claimed that smoke occasionally. In the group of administrative staff 26.0% of respondents (n=130) smoked tobacco daily and occasionally 3.8% of the respondents (n=10). Among all respondents 9.6% of school employees (n=148) said they had used e-cigarettes at least once in a lifetime.

Popularity of tobacco smoking among personnel employed in the schools was alarmingly high, therefore, it is necessary to take actions aiming at reduction of this phenomenon by, inter alia: comprehensive information and educational activities, promoting pro-health behaviours. There is also a need for development of an adequate support system for smoking personnel who have to challenge their addiction.