| Summary: | Background
Within the healthcare system, nurses have the ability to influence their patients’ smoking habits
through counselling. Therefore, it is of great importance to appropriately train health professionals on smoking
cessation strategies with the aim to help them provide advice to their patients. In light of the above, the objective
of this study was to assess the association between Greek nursing students’ beliefs towards tobacco control/
smoking cessation and the professional training received.
Methods
During February 2009, we conducted a cross sectional national survey among all 3rd year nursing
students of the two university based nursing departments in Greece (University of Athens, University of the
Peloponnese). The Global Health Professional Student Survey (GHPSS) questionnaire was applied and following
written informed consent 73% provided a completed questionnaire (n = 192/263 enrolled students).
Results
Overall, 33% were current active smokers, while 74% reported ever to experiment smoking. In regards to
their beliefs towards tobacco control policies, non smokers were more positive in regards to banning smoking in
restaurants (94% vs. 61%, p < 0.001), in bars and cafes (82% vs. 34%, p < 0.001), and all public places (93% vs. 51%,
p < 0.001) when compared to current smokers. In comparison with students who had not received training on the
importance of asking patients about their smoking habits, those that did were more likely to believe that nurses
should have a role in smoking cessation and should act as role models for their patients.
Conclusions
Resources should be invested in improving the quality of undergraduate education in nursing
departments in Greece with respect to tobacco control and smoking cessation.
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