SURVEY OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING TOBACCO SMOKING IN MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

Introduction. The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing more than 8 million people a year around the world. The young people are the easiest target for the risky behavior. Aim. To assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding tobacco smoking among medical students in Georgia. Materials and Methods. KAP questionnaire containing 44 questions was developed in Georgian. Sampling frame consisted of students of the1st and 4th year of the Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) – Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Public Health Management and Faculty of Public Health. Random cluster sampling was used and total number of participants was 242: 1^st year students 39.51% (96), 4^th year students 60.08% (146); Faculty of Medicine 62.96% (153), Faculty of Public Health 36.63% (89); female 183 (75.31%), male 59 (24.48%). Mean age was 20.63 (SD=2.2). Cross-sectional study was performed. The survey was anonymous and self-administered. Principles of Declaration of Helsinki were followed. Data analysis was done in Stata 14.0.

Results. Based on the knowledge component, most students do not have complete information about tobacco products and the diseases they cause. Statistically higher number of the students of the Medical Faculty and male students had correct information about the harm of tobacco. 20.6% of respondents smoke, male 33.9%, female 16.4%. The main reason for starting smoking was cited as interest and the influence of friends. 32.1% of respondents stopped smoking after the quitting attempt. The maximum length of time to smoking after quitting was 7.9 months on average (SD = 7.8).

Conclusion. Obtained results are mainly in line with the international findings. There was seen a statistically significant difference between public health and medical faculties and male and female in responses on knowledge and attitude. Taking into account that we have studied medical students it is less probable that the students of other specializations will be more knowledgeable in this regard. It is advisable to increase awareness activities in this regard.