Tobacco Use, Knowledge about Smoking-Associated Risks, and Cessation Programs among Dental Students in Germany – ToDent

Respiration ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (9) ◽  
pp. 764-770
Author(s):  
Claudia Bauer-Kemeny ◽  
Ilona Verena Lis ◽  
Tobias Raupach ◽  
Michael Kreuter

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Professional and consistent smoking prevention and cessation may avoid many smoking-associated deaths worldwide. Dentists can exert a decisive influence on smoking behavior, as most people regularly visit a dentist. However, only if dentists have been trained sufficiently about the consequences of smoking and of smoking cessation methods might they fulfill this task appropriately. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The aim of our study was therefore to examine the prevalence of smokers among dental students in Germany, their attitude toward smoking in general, and their knowledge about tobacco-related diseases and smoking cessation programs. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A cross-sectional survey among dental students in Germany was conducted in 2016. Students of the first and tenth semesters were asked to participate in this anonymous survey. The questionnaire included items concerning their own smoking habits, their knowledge about effects of smoking on health, and their attitude toward prevention and cessation in a dental setting. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Seven hundred and thirty dental students participated in this survey; 21% of the participating students were smokers. Their knowledge about smoking-related diseases was widespread. Some diseases were rarely known (only in 34% of students) and others were well known (in 99% of the students). Knowledge about health risks of e-cigarettes was low. About 30% of the participating students felt competent to encourage and support patients in cessation strategies; 2 out of 3 students were willing to improve their knowledge in that area. More than 85% confirmed that advice for smoking cessation should be one of the tasks of a dentist. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Smoking is common among dental students, their knowledge about smoking-related health risks is moderate, and self-perceived smoking cessation skills are poor. More emphasis should be placed on education regarding smoking prevention and cessation methods.

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 138s-138s
Author(s):  
C.J. Francis

Background: India is the world's third largest tobacco-growing country. The Indian scenario as far as tobacco consumption is concerned is far worse because of the prevalence of the tobacco chewing habit which covers a wide spectrum of socioeconomic and ethnic groups and is spread over urbanized area as well as remote village. Tobacco use is alarming in terms of its current and projected future impact on global mortality. Recent shift in global tobacco consumption to developing countries indicate that an estimated 930 million of the world's 1.1 billon in India alone. Despite the facts, that the harmful effects of tobacco chewing and smoking are widely known, many young people start smoking during adolescence, largely because they believe that smoking will boost their social acceptability and image. This study was contemplated with an aim to assess tobacco/smoking habits and awareness about antismoking act among general public in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. Method: A structured questionnaire consisting of 14 questions related to tobacco/smoking habits and awareness about antismoking act were asked to general public and their response was recorded. Random sampling method was used and data were collected from a cross-sectional survey. Antitobacco counseling was given on the spot and followed. Results: The study population consisted of total 430 individuals, male 364 (84.65%) and females 66 (15.34%) . Then the questionnaires were asked and statistically analyzed. Around 286 (78.57%) from 364 male were indulged in some form of tobacco usage (smoker = 32.86%, tobacco chewer = 16.78%, both = 11.18%, alcohol + tobacco user = 21.67%). In the current study, most common cause of tobacco use was pleasure 40.5%, inducing factor were friends 53.1% followed by parents and siblings. 36.20% patients used tobacco as second hand exposure in job places. 54.8% were aware about the antismoking act in public places, so only 8.6% people from all males enrolled, were smoking in public places.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 740-740
Author(s):  
Tung-Sung Tseng ◽  
Yu Hsiang Kao ◽  
Mirandy Li

Abstract Smoking has been observed to associate with an elevated severity of disease and risk of mortality among people with COVID-19. Additionally, African American smokers have higher rates of mortality from lung cancer than other racial/ethnic groups. Low dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening can detect lung cancer early to decrease lung cancer-specific mortality for current smokers but remains under-utilized among these population. However, we know little about the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on smoking behavior changes among African American smokers who qualify for LDCT screening. This study recruited 60 African American daily smokers seen in primary care clinics, who qualified to receive LDCT screening in a New Orleans, LA hospital. A total of 22 participants (36.7%) completed anonymous cross-sectional survey that collected demographic, disease history, tobacco use, and smoking cessation behaviors during the period of COVID-19 pandemic via phone interview. The majority were older (61.2 [SD=4.7]), female (77.3%), earned annual income less than $20,000 (100.0%), had Medicaid (63.6%), overweight/obesity (72.7%), planned to quit smoking within 6 months (52.4%), and would consider taking LDCT screening after COIVD-19 pandemic (95.2%). Half of smokers reported they have been diagnosed hypertension (47.6%), diabetes (52.4%), and arthritis (57.1%). Regarding health behavior changes, 42.9% smokers reported they smoked more, felt more stress (42.9%) and anxiety (33.4%) after COVID-19 outbreak. Smoking cessation programs may focus on this high-risk minority population in the post COVID-19 pandemic to help them decrease cigarette smoking and enhance their motivation to quit smoking.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 1179173X1983335
Author(s):  
Cyrus Ahalt ◽  
Timothy Buisker ◽  
Janet Myers ◽  
Brie Williams

Background: In jails and prisons worldwide, older adults are among the fastest growing demographic groups. Criminal justice–involved populations smoke tobacco at high rates. Older adults are also disproportionate smokers and have more difficulty quitting smoking than other age groups. Yet, little is known about tobacco use or knowledge and attitudes toward smoking cessation among the growing population of incarcerated older adults. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey study of 102 adults aged 55 years or older recently incarcerated in an urban jail using items from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). Results: More than 70% of participants reported being current smokers despite strong knowledge (95%) of the connection between smoking and serious illness. More than half of current smokers reported a past failed quit attempt (62%) and/or said they would like to quit (60%). Conclusions: High rates of tobacco use in this population suggest that correctional institutions represent a critical site for the delivery of appropriate smoking cessation interventions to older adults, including integrated treatment approaches for those with co-occurring behavioral health diagnoses.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Põld ◽  
K Pärna

Abstract Background Family physicians have an excellent opportunity at primary health care level to influence patients' smoking behavior. Routine screening of all patients for tobacco use is recommended. The objective of the present study was to explore factors related to addressing patients' smoking habits among FPs. Methods Two postal cross-sectional surveys were conducted among the sample of all practicing physicians in Estonia (n = 4140 in 2002, n = 5666 in 2014). Questionnaires of under 65-year-old FPs were included (n = 473 in 2002, n = 468 in 2014). Frequency of addressing patients' smoking habits and agreement with statements concerning perceived barriers, along with confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Associations of addressing patients' smoking habits at least once during last 7 days with perceived barriers were calculated using logistic regression analysis. Fully adjusted odds ratios (OR) were determined with corresponding 95% (CI). Results The prevalence of addressing patients' smoking at least once during last 7 days was 96.4% (95% CI 94.2-98.7) in 2002 and 97.1% (95% CI 95.0-99.1) in 2014. FPs who agreed that lack of time is a barrier to addressing patients' smoking, were significantly more likely to address patients' smoking (OR 3.53; 95% CI 1.36-9.16) compared to FPs who did not agree with the statement. FPs who agreed that lack of habit is a barrier, were significantly less likely to address patients' smoking (OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.06-0.34) compared to FPs who did not agree. FPs smoking status was not significantly associated with addressing patients' smoking. Conclusions Majority of family physicians addressed patients' smoking habits. Addressing patients' smoking habits was significantly associated with agreeing that lack of time and lack of habit is a barrier to addressing patients' smoking. Results of the present study are useful for policymakers and other institutions involved in organization and development of smoking prevention training and cessation services. Key messages Majority of family physicians addressed patients’ smoking. Addressing patients’ smoking was significantly associated with lack of time and lack of habit as barriers to addressing patients’ smoking. Smoking prevention training and organization of cessation services would further enable family physicians to routinely address patients’ smoking habits.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL3) ◽  
pp. 992-995
Author(s):  
Nithyanandham Masilamani ◽  
Dhanraj Ganapathy

Drug abuse has been a serious medical concern worldwide. Given mortality, substance misuse is still liable for serious illness and also the marketing of illegal substances has a significant effect on the community. This study was conducted to determine the awareness of drug abuse amongst dental college students. A cross-sectional survey was done with a self-administered questionnaire comprising of ten questions pertaining to the awareness about drug abuse. The samples chosen for the study were 100 dental undergraduate students. The responses were collected and analysed.82% of the respondents were aware of the dangerous effects of drug abuse .68% said drug abuse is because of stress,8% said because of peer pressure and 20% said because of family problems and 4% said because of pleasure seeking .76 % feel deaddiction therapy can reduce drug abuse. 5% of the respondents have used some kind of drugs, .85% said they are aware of health risks associated with drug abuse. There is a high level of awareness among dental students regarding the abuse of drugs and associated health risks. However, more intense and wider community outreach programs should be initiated to spread awareness about drug abuse among the general public and the student community.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Xia ◽  
William Ho Cheung Li ◽  
Wenzhi Cai ◽  
Peige Song ◽  
Laurie Long Kwan Ho ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) during pregnancy can cause pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes. About 40% of Chinese expectant fathers are smokers and they rarely attempt to quit smoking. There is a paucity of effective smoking cessation services targeting this population. In this study, we assessed the smoking behavior of Chinese expectant fathers and examined its association with smoking abstinence after their partner became pregnant, which is an essential prerequisite for designing effective smoking cessation interventions.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in the obstetrics and gynecology clinic of three tertiary hospitals in China. Expectant fathers who smoked at least one cigarette per day for 1 month within the past 12 months were invited to participate in this study. The participants were asked to complete a structured questionnaire that assessed their smoking behaviors before and after their partner became pregnant. Results: From December 2017 to March 2018, we recruited a total of 466 eligible expectant fathers, among whom 323 (69.3%) were identified as current smokers and 143 (30.7%) were ex-smokers. Using lasso regression, 19 features were selected from among 27 independent variables. The results of the selected multivariable logistic regression model showed that knowledge about the health hazards of smoking among smokers (odds ratio (OR) 1.39; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24 to 1.58; p<0.001), knowledge about the health hazards of SHS to pregnant women (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.97; p<0.001), knowledge about harm to the fetus and newborn (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.25 to 2.03; p<0.001), and being a first-time expectant father (OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.02 to 3.85; p=0.046) were significantly positively associated with smoking abstinence among expectant fathers after their partner became pregnant. Significantly negative associations were found for severe dysfunctionality in terms of family support (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.24 to 0.95; p=0.036) and smoking only outside the home (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.26 to 0.98; p<0.001). Conclusions: In this study, we identified several factors associated with smoking abstinence among expectant fathers after their partner became pregnant. These findings can guide the development of effective interventions targeting expectant fathers, to help them quit smoking.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Xia ◽  
William Ho Cheung Li ◽  
Wenzhi Cai ◽  
Peige Song ◽  
Laurie Long Kwan Ho ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) during pregnancy can cause pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes. About 40% of Chinese expectant fathers are smokers and they rarely attempt to quit. There is a paucity of effective smoking cessation services targeting this population. In this study, we assessed the smoking behavior of Chinese expectant fathers and examined its association with smoking abstinence after their partner became pregnant, which is an essential prerequisite for designing effective smoking cessation interventions. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in the obstetrics and gynecology clinic of three tertiary hospitals in China. Expectant fathers who smoked at least one cigarette per day for 1 month within the past 12 months were invited to participate in this study. The participants were asked to complete a structured questionnaire that assessed their smoking behaviors before and after their partner became pregnant. Results: From December 2017 to March 2018, we recruited a total of 466 eligible expectant fathers, among whom 323 (69.3%) were identified as current smokers and 143 (30.7%) were ex-smokers. Using lasso regression, 19 features were selected from among 27 independent variables. The results of the selected multivariable logistic regression model showed that knowledge about the health hazards of smoking among smokers (odds ratio (OR) 1.39; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24 to 1.58; p<0.001), knowledge about the health hazards of SHS to pregnant women (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.97; p<0.001), knowledge about harm to the fetus and newborn (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.25 to 2.03; p<0.001), and being a first-time expectant father (OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.02 to 3.85; p=0.046) were significantly positively associated with smoking abstinence among expectant fathers after their partner became pregnant. Significantly negative associations were found for severe dysfunctionality in terms of family support (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.24 to 0.95; p=0.036) and smoking only outside the home (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.26 to 0.98; p<0.001). Conclusions: In this study, we identified several factors associated with smoking abstinence among expectant fathers after their partner became pregnant. These findings can guide the development of effective interventions targeting expectant fathers, to help them quit smoking.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-18
Author(s):  
Amarpreet Kaur ◽  
Amandeep Chopra ◽  
Satpreet Singh ◽  
Harkirat Kaur Aulakh ◽  
Vimmie Gill ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Tobacco use is one of the major preventable reasons for death. Despite this, its prevalence is increasing among dental students. For the purpose of advocacy of planning tobacco control and interventions, data on prevalence of tobacco usage is needed. AIM: To assess prevalence of tobacco usage among dental interns of district Panchkula, Haryana, India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July-September 2019 among dental interns of Panchkula using a self-administered questionnaire. Data based on demographic factors, smoking habits, and associated risk factors was collected. Descriptive analysis for demographic variables and smoking habits were analyzed using the SPSS 24.0 software. RESULT: The prevalence of current tobacco use was 29.54% (22.2% males and 6.8% females). Male interns were significantly more likely than female interns to be current cigarette smokers. On probing the cause of smoking, a majority of participants cited friends and stress as the main cause for smoking. The proportion of regular smokers whose parents smoke was more significant compared to occasional smokers. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of tobacco usage among dental interns is more in males as compared to females so dental interns need to be trained regarding anti-tobacco counselling.


Author(s):  
Augusto César Leal da Silva Leonel ◽  
Paulo Rogério Ferreti Bonan ◽  
Jurema Freire Lisboa de Castro ◽  
Andréa dos Anjos Pontual ◽  
Flávia Maria de Moraes Ramos-Perez ◽  
...  

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e041447
Author(s):  
Irene Tami-Maury ◽  
Laura Suchil ◽  
Luz Myriam Reynales-Shigematsu ◽  
Leonor Garcia-Gomez ◽  
Mixing Chen ◽  
...  

ObjectiveCancer care providers’ (CCPs) attitudes towards smoking cessation are influenced by many factors, including their smoking status and knowledge. Our objective was to assess CCPs’ characteristics, tobacco use and smoking cessation practices in two Latin American cancer centres.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingsTwo urban cancer centres located in Colombia and Mexico.ParticipantsA total of 238 CCPs.MeasuresOnline survey consisted of 28 close-ended questions adapted from the 2012 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer survey and the Global Adult Tobacco Survey developed by the WHO. Means, frequencies and proportions were reported for each country. Factors associated to providing of smoking cessation treatment or referral at initial visit were evaluated using logistic regression.ResultsCurrent smoking prevalence was 10.5% and 12.3% among Colombian and Mexican CCPs, respectively. Around three quarters of the Colombian (86.4%) and Mexican CCPs (66.1%) considered to have inadequate training in smoking cessation. Approximately two-thirds of Colombian (67.5%) and Mexican CCPs (63.9%) reported always or most of the time asking patients about tobacco use during the initial visit. In Colombia and Mexico, the most relevant barriers for providing cessation services were (1) difficulties for motivating patients with cancer, (2) patient resistance in quitting smoking, (3) lack of local resources or referral centres for smoking cessation and (4) lack of training in smoking cessation. CCPs appointed at Instituto Nacional de Cancerología were less likely to provide cessation treatment or referral to their patients if they had less than 50% of their time devoted to patient care and were former or current smokers. The regression model for Instituto de Cancerología did not retain statistically significant variables.ConclusionOur findings highlight an urgent need for assisting Latin American CCPs in their quitting efforts as well as expanding formal smoking cessation training specifically tailored to these professionals for improving patients’ cancer prognosis and quality of life.


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