KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SMOKING RELATED HEALTH DISORDERS AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS OF RAWALPINDI MEDICAL COLLEGE, RAWALPINDI

Abstract

Objective: To assess knowledge of medical students regarding smoking related health disorders among medical students of Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi in June 2010. A structured questionnaire regarding hazards of smoking was used to know the knowledge of medical students from first year to final years. Data was collected by self administered questionnaire especially pertaining to smoking related health hazards including neonatal death,sudden infant death syndrome, lung and coronary heart diseases with respect to passive smoking, rising prices of tobacco products, banning smoking in health centers, enclosed places and sale of tobacco products. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 957 medical student were enrolled. Among them males were 30.7% while females were 69.3%. 89.2% medical students agreed with association of maternal smoking with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome while 78.6% students acknowledged association of passive smoking with neonatal death. 89.7% students claimed relationship of passive smoking with growing risk of lung and heart diseases. Banning sale of tobacco products and advertising of tobacco products was affirmed by 91.8% and 89.7% medical students respectively. Conclusion: Although majority of medical students were found to be knowledgeable about smoking related health risks, their comprehension still entails further enhancement for up-gradation of existing scenario.