An attempt to assess knowledge about tobacco dependence among students at the Medical University in Wroclaw

Journal Title: Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine - Year 2012, Vol 19, Issue 3

Abstract

Introduction: Tobacco smoking is still one of the greatest, avoidable, singular causes of death. Although students of medical faculties are expected to have solid knowledge about smoking hazards, a significant number of them still smoke.Aim: The aim of the study was to assess knowledge on tobacco dependence in a sample of students at the Medical University in Wroclaw.Material and methods: Between 2009-2011, non-compulsory lectures on the diagnosis and treatment of tobacco dependence were provided for 3[sup]rd[/sup] to 6[sup]th[/sup] year students of medicine at the Medical University in Wroclaw (170 students). The questionnaire contained 10 questions about smoking-related diseases and medicines used in tobacco dependence treatment.Results: 21% of students smoked cigarettes and 79% were never smokers. 36% of the study group was exposed to passive smoking at the university. Nearly 80% of survey respondents agreed with the statement that cigarette smoking can lead to psychological addiction as strong as drug addiction, but more than 12% of the respondents perceived smoking just as a strong habit. Only 6 out of 10 surveyed students recognised tobacco dependence as an illness classified in an international classification of diseases and health problems (ICD-10). The correct amount of the chemical substances to be found in tobacco smoke was known by 67.1% of all surveyed students. The vast majority of the surveyed students indicated correctly 2 brands of nicotine replacement therapy, but none of them could name even one chemical and corresponding trade name of the pharmaceutical with central effect.Conclusions: The level of knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of tobacco dependence among the students of the Medical Faculty in Wroclaw Medical University is low, and requires improvement through educational activities at both facultative and compulsory study level. Special attention should be paid to pharmaceutical treatment of the tobacco dependence syndrome.

Authors and Affiliations

Kinga Janik-Koncewicz, Tomasz Zatoński, Katarzyna Połtyn-Zaradna, Magdalena Cedzyńska, Krzysztof Przewoźniak, Andrzej Wojtyła

Keywords

Related Articles

Current glycaemic control has no impact on the advancement of diabetic neuropathy

The aim of the study was to assess the association between glycemic control understanding as a glycated haemoglobin level and indices of diabetic neuropathy. Methods: We evaluated 204 patients with diabetes (type 1 – 29;...

Bioaerosol assessment in naturally ventilated historical library building with restricted personnel access

The aim of this study was to check the degree and identify the sources of microbial contamination of the Jasna Góra (Bright Hill) monastery library 10 years after disinfection of the incunabula collection. The registered...

Reasons for delay in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer among patients in Lublin Voivodeship who were consulted in Thoracic Surgery Department

Introduction: Despite the progress which has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, it is still one of the main causes of death in both men and women. The introduction of new therapeutic modalities did...

Intradiurnal variations of allergenic tree pollen in the atmosphere of Toledo (central Spain).

To study the impact of inhaling airborne pollen on health, it is important to know not only their average daily concentrations but also the intradiurnal behaviour of these biological particles. This study reports the bi-...

The first evidence for vertical transmission of [i]Babesia canis[/i] in a litter of Central Asian Shepherd dogs

[b]Introduction and objective[/b]. Tick-borne infections constitute an increasing health problem in dogs and may lead to death, especially in young or elderly individuals. Canine babesiosis constitutes a serious health p...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP80475
  • DOI -
  • Views 122
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Kinga Janik-Koncewicz, Tomasz Zatoński, Katarzyna Połtyn-Zaradna, Magdalena Cedzyńska, Krzysztof Przewoźniak, Andrzej Wojtyła (2012). An attempt to assess knowledge about tobacco dependence among students at the Medical University in Wroclaw. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 19(3), 345-349. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-80475