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Trends in cigarette smoking among US physicians and nurses
D E Nelson1, G A Giovino, S L Emont
1Office on Smoking and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30342-3724.
JAMA
|April 27, 1994
Summary
Cigarette smoking prevalence significantly declined among physicians, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses from 1974 to 1991. Physicians showed the most rapid decrease in smoking rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Healthcare Professionals
Background:
- Cigarette smoking remains a significant public health concern.
- Understanding smoking trends among healthcare professionals is crucial due to their role as health exemplars.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in cigarette smoking prevalence among physicians, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses in the United States since 1974.
Main Methods:
- Utilized combined National Health Interview Survey data from multiple periods between 1974 and 1991.
- Analyzed smoking prevalence and average annual change in prevalence for the specified healthcare occupations.
Main Results:
- In 1990-1991, an estimated 18,000 physicians, 322,000 registered nurses, and 128,000 licensed practical nurses smoked cigarettes.
- Smoking prevalence decreased from 1974-1977 to 1990-1991: physicians (18.8% to 3.3%), registered nurses (31.7% to 18.3%), and licensed practical nurses (37.1% to 27.2%).
- The average annual decline in smoking prevalence was 1.15 percentage points for physicians, 0.88 for registered nurses, and 0.62 for licensed practical nurses.
Conclusions:
- Cigarette smoking has declined most rapidly among physicians, followed by registered nurses, and then licensed practical nurses since 1974.
- Healthcare professionals, in their roles as exemplars and educators, should refrain from smoking to promote public health.