Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception of the Hospital Staff towards Smoking at Sahloul Hospital - Sousse- Tunisia

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.