Awareness of Tobacco-Related Health Hazards among Medical, Nursing, and Paramedical Students and Paramedical staff in two Tertiary Care Hospitals
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Abstract
Background: Tobacco use remains a major public health concern, and healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in tobacco cessation efforts. Assessing awareness among medical, nursing, and paramedical personnel is essential to strengthen preventive strategies and patient counseling.
Objectives: To evaluate the awareness of tobacco-related health hazards among medical, nursing, and paramedical students and paramedical staff in two tertiary care hospitals.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 participants comprising MBBS students, nursing students, and paramedical staff. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge across four domains: tobacco-related diseases, passive smoking risks, national tobacco control laws, and role in cessation counseling. Awareness scores were compared using appropriate statistical tests.
Results: The mean age of participants was 22.1 ± 2.3 years; 58% were female. Tobacco use prevalence was highest among paramedical staff (12%), followed by MBBS (6%) and nursing students (4%). MBBS students demonstrated the highest awareness across all domains:
- Tobacco-related diseases: 84.2% (MBBS) vs. 78.6% (Nursing) vs. 71.3% (Paramedical), p = 0.01
- Passive smoking risks: 80.5% vs. 74.1% vs. 68.9%, p = 0.02
- National tobacco control laws: 68.4% vs. 61.2% vs. 55.7%, p = 0.03
- Role in cessation counseling: 75.6% vs. 70.3% vs. 62.5%, p = 0.04 Only 38% of all participants felt confident in advising patients on tobacco cessation.
Conclusion: While MBBS students exhibited relatively higher awareness, significant gaps were observed among paramedical staff, particularly in policy knowledge and counseling roles. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions and integration of tobacco control modules across all healthcare training programs.