Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception of the Hospital Staff towards Smoking at Sahloul Hospital - Sousse- Tunisia
Hela Ghali *
Departement of Prevention and Security of Care, Hospital of Sahloul, Sousse, Tunisia.
Salwa Khéfacha Aissa
Departement of Prevention and Security of Care, Hospital of Sahloul, Sousse, Tunisia.
Latifa Merzougui
Departement of Prevention and Security of Care, Hospital of Sahloul, Sousse, Tunisia.
Sihem Ben Frej
Departement of Prevention and Security of Care, Hospital of Sahloul, Sousse, Tunisia.
Rabeb Ben Ouanes
Departement of Prevention and Security of Care, Hospital of Sahloul, Sousse, Tunisia.
Mohamed Ben Rejeb
Departement of Prevention and Security of Care, Hospital of Sahloul, Sousse, Tunisia.
Houyem Said Latiri
Departement of Prevention and Security of Care, Hospital of Sahloul, Sousse, Tunisia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: In Tunisia, smoking remains prevalent among the health professionals. In order to combat this epidemic, it is necessary to start a tobacco control strategy.
Objectives: Our work aims to study the knowledge and the attitude of the hospital staff toward smoking, and the perception of their role in tobacco control.
Methods: It is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted during 15 months. Data were collected using a self-administered and anonymous questionnaire. A pre-study was made in April 2013 in three departments of the hospital of Sahloul in order to test the questionnaire. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software.
Results: 768 questionnaires were retained. Our population was mainly female (51%) and the average age was 37.8 (±11.3) years. 21% were smokers. The majority of respondents was for the regulatory measures against tobacco. Almost ¾ of the respondents were aware of the existence of a Tunisian law prohibiting smoking in workplace. Non-smokers thought they had more influence on the smokers to make them quit (p < 10-3). Health professionals have recognized the role of tobacco in the genesis of cardiovascular disease, lung disease and lung cancer. In addition, 27% of the respondents were unaware of the existence of the anti tobacco consultation in the hospital.
Conclusion: Smoking remains a public health problem among health professionals. A holistic approach, including a strengthening of laws against smoking, and provision of resources of tobacco cessation, is necessary to promote smoking cessation among the hospital staff.
Keywords: Smoking, health personnel, knowledge, attitude