The Prevalence of Tobacco Smoking and Attitudes of Polish Pulmonologists towards Smoking

Introduction: Pulmonologists can play an important role in smoking prevention and control. The aim of this study was to assess smoking prevalence among Polish pulmonologists and physicians’ behaviour towards smoking patients. Material and methods: The study was performed in 2006 during national congress of Polish Respiratory Society. The survey was performed using a questionnaire including questions regarding age, sex, professional activities, specialty, academic degree and respondents’ nicotine status, attitude and activity towards smoking patients. Results: Questionnaires were filled in by 498 physicians: 160 (32.1%) men and 338 (67.9%) women, out of 852 participating physicians (58.5%) who received the questionnaire. There were 11.3% smokers (13.8% men and 10% women), 25.1% of surveyed physicians were ex-smokers, and 63.6% never smokers. 91.4% of respondents always ask patients if they smoke. 87.4% physicians always advise smoking cessation to their patients, but smoking cessation support is offered only by 48% of respondents. Almost half respondents use drugs in nicotine dependence treatment. Majority of respondents (81.1%) think that physician’s attitude influences patient’s behaviour. More than a half (55.7%) think that smoking by physicians is not in accordance with physician’s ethics. 91.4% support smoking ban in public places. Conclusions: This study found a lower prevalence of smoking among Polish pulmonologists compared with the general population, and with the previous surveys and demonstrated the impact of personal smoking on physicians’ attitudes towards smoking.