Smoking behavior and related factors among Japanese nursing students: a cohort study

Implications of cigarette smoking on early-onset androgenetic alopecia: A cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a condition affecting both males and females. Aims We aimed to assess the demographic and clinical features of early-onset AGA among smokers and nonsmokers and to evaluate whether prevalence of AGA was affected by smoking.

PAATIENTS/METHODS

One thousand (1000) healthy males aged between 20 and 35 years not complaining of any local scalp condition and free of any mental illness were recruited for this study and divided into two groups of 500 each based on their smoking attitudes. Androgenetic alopecia was classified according to the Hamilton baldness scale, and trichoscopy was used to confirm the diagnosis of AGA. A designed questionnaire to determine basic physical and smoking habits completed and results was interpreted and analyzed.

RESULTS

The majority of smokers (425) had a form of AGA, while only (200) nonsmokers had a degree of AGA (P < .01). Of the smokers group, 235 (47%) had grade III AGA and 120 subjects (24%) had grade IV AGA. In the nonsmokers group, 100 subjects (20%) had grade II AGA and 50 subjects (10%) had either grade III or IV AGA.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of AGA among smokers was statistically higher than among nonsmokers, while severity of AGA was not associated with the intensity of smoking. Nicotine and its derivative cotinine might be responsible for accelerating AGA progress pending further validation.

Prevalence of smoking in nursing students worldwide: A meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Smoking is common among nursing students worldwide, but the reported prevalence is inconsistent across epidemiological studies. This is a meta-analysis of the prevalence of smoking in nursing students worldwide.

DESIGN

Meta-analysis of observational studies.

SAMPLE

A total of 46 studies were included in this meta-analysis.

METHOD

Electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Web of science) were independently and systematically searched by two investigators from their commencement date up to 12 May 2018. Studies that reported the smoking rate of nursing students were included and analyzed using random-effects model.

RESULTS

The pooled prevalence of current smoking was 26.6% (95% CI: 22.9-30.4%), while pooled prevalence of previous smoking was 15.5% (95% CI: 11.8-19.3%). Subgroup analyses showed that smoking rate was higher in male compared with female students (39% vs 25.2%, P < .001), while survey time, sample size, age, study design and academic year did not moderate the smoking rate (all P > .05).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis confirmed that smoking is common in nursing students. Considering the negative impact of smoking on health, appropriate smoking cessation measures for nursing students should be developed.

Cigarette smoking behavior and the related factors among the students of mashhad university of medical sciences in iran

Background:

Tobacco consumption is the second major cause of death and the fourth most common risk factor for diseases, worldwide. Epidemiologic studies have traced the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit substances among medical students and physicians.

Objectives:

The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cigarette smoking and the related factors among the students of medical sciences in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Patients and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 946 health professional students in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS, Iran) in autumn 2008. A standard self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic data, participant smoking status, family and peer smoking, attitudes and beliefs about smoking, awareness of cigarette negative effects and reasons for smoking cessation was used in the current study.

Results:

Among the students, 18.3% reported having ever tried or experienced with cigarette smoking. The overall prevalence of cigarette smoking was 9.8% with significant differences in prevalence rates by gender, 17.6% among males and 4.2% among females. Starting and continuing smoking was significantly correlated with the family cigarette consumption habits. The most common reason to start smoking was friends (24.9%) and the most important reason to continue smoking was personal life distress (17.6%). The majority of participants (92.3%) reported that they were aware of the hazards of smoking. A significant difference regarding awareness of smoking hazards was observed between smokers and non-smokers. The most important preventive factor for cigarette smoking was religious beliefs (69.1%).

Conclusions:

Although the prevalence of regular smokers among health professions students of MUMS was lower than general populations, but this level is still alarming and points at the rapid growth of cigarette use, especially among female students. Medical schools should work harder to tackle this phenomenon and address it more efficiently in their curricula.

Smoking habits of students of nursing: a questionnaire survey (2004-2006)

AIM

To determine changes in the prevalence of tobacco use among students of nursing and associated factors.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence and distribution of smokers among nursing students varies according to the country and period of study.

METHOD

Transversal descriptive study by self-answered questionnaire. Eight hundred and fifty four subjects (94.9%) were questioned in the period 2004-2006.

FINDINGS

Twenty eight percent of the students declared themselves to be smokers. The habit began before the students started university. The tendency of prevalence by year of survey and by graduation year was downward. The students shown a low nicotine dependency according to Fagerström and little motivation to give up. The average age at the onset of consumption was 14.6 (1.8) years. From the logistical regression analysis, the model best explaining the prevalence of tobacco consumption included the variable of year surveyed and academic background, those coming from the baccalaureate showing a lesser prevalence and tendency to smoke.

CONCLUSIONS

Tobacco consumption among students of health sciences was less than in the general population of the same age but high given their future profession. The tendency to smoke is decreasing and most started smoking before joining the university. We recommend an intensification of actions directed at teenagers and the promotion of anti-tobacco campaigns in universities.

Association of smoking behavior and socio-demographic factors, work, lifestyle and mental health of Japanese civil servants

Few studies have examined the individual and social impact of smoking behavior in the Japanese population. The purpose of this study was to clarify the association between smoking behavior and socio-demographic factors, lifestyle, mental health and work characteristics of Japanese civil servants. A self-administered questionnaire survey of 1,439 employees (821 men and 618 women) aged 20-64 yr was conducted in a local government department in 2001. The questionnaire included items on socio-demographic factors, education level, grade of employment, lifestyle, affect balance scale, and work characteristics. Smoking status was divided into current smoker, ex-smoker and never smoked. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between smoking and the other items. Men presented a higher smoking prevalence rate than women (53.1% vs. 4.9%). In men, a strong relationship between current smoker and advanced age (40 yr or older), low education level, less physical activity, irregular breakfast and negative affect balance was found. Among men with a low education, the prevalence of smoking cessation was significantly lower in comparison to men with a high education. In women, being young (20-29 yr), unmarried (single or other), having a hobby, and irregular breakfast were associated with smoking behavior. Furthermore, smoking cessation was significantly associated with having a hobby and negative affect balance. The above results suggest that socio-demographic, lifestyle and mental health characteristics are independently associated with current smoking. These factors should be considered in smoking cessation policies as program components.

Tobacco smoking habits among a complete cross-section of Australian nursing students

This study was undertaken as a complete cross-sectional survey of tobacco smoking habits among 270 undergraduate students at an Australian nursing school (response rate: 84.6%). An anonymous, self-reporting questionnaire survey was used to gather the data. The overall prevalence of current smoking was 15.9%, with a further 8.5% being ex-smokers. The nursing students consumed an average of 11.5 cigarettes per day, they began smoking at 20.8 years of age, and had an average smoking duration of 7.2 years. The students who had previously worked as a nurse were twice as likely to be current smokers. This study suggests that although tobacco smoking remains fairly common among Australian nursing students, its prevalence and distribution vary according to the individual demographics of the group under study. Future researchers will need to consider the changing demographic base from which the new generation of nursing students are drawn.

A systematic review of tobacco smoking among nursing students

This study was conducted to systematically and critically evaluate the large number of academic publications which have investigated tobacco smoking among nursing students in recent years. It was performed as a state-of-the-art examination of all modern literature published in peer-reviewed, English-language journals since 1990. Although smoking appears to be fairly common among nursing students, its prevalence and distribution varies widely depending on the country of study and time period during which the research was undertaken. Although there is some evidence to suggest that smoking rates increase by year of study in the nursing course, not all research has shown a clear association in this regard. Similarly, the value of anti-smoking interventions for nursing students appears to be limited, based on currently available information. Given these conflicting issues, further research which helps to ascertain why student nurses do not wish to give up their habit is clearly needed both locally and internationally. The development of an international smoking questionnaire may also be useful to help standardize future research on tobacco usage among this vulnerable demographic.

Smoking, drinking, sleeping habits, and other lifestyle factors and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus in Japanese females: findings from the KYSS study

Many risk factors have been proposed for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, there is little information about the relationship between lifestyles and SLE in Japan. Two case control studies were conducted in Kyushu, southern Japan, and in Hokkaido, northern Japan, to examine the relationship between lifestyles and development of SLE in females. The participants were 78 patients and 329 controls in Kyushu and 35 patients and 188 controls in Hokkaido. Smoking was associated with an increased risk of SLE after adjusting for age in both regions. However, in Hokkaido, this association between smoking and SLE did not reach statistical significance after adjusting for alcohol drinking. The present study suggests that smoking may increase the risk of SLE among Japanese females.

Determination of Smoking Habits and Personality Traits Among Nursing Students

The purpose of this research was to determine the smoking habits of students who receive nursing education in universities and their personality traits. We found that 29.2% of the students were habitual smokers, and the average score on the Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Test was 3.4 +/- 2.3. A significant difference in statistical terms was marked between the participants' smoking habits and the self-control factor. Because we found that the level of smoking among individuals with high self-control is rather low, providing information to students on quitting smoking and periodically assessing smoking status are recommended. In addition, individual improvement programs focused on the development of self-control can be added to nursing curricula.

Undergraduate nursing students' attitudes towards smoking health promotion

Despite the fact that nurses have a key role in health promotion, many continue to smoke at much the same rate as the general population. This paper investigates the influence of smoking status, gender, age, stage of education, and smoking duration on undergraduate nursing students' attitudes towards smoking health promotion. The study took place in one university's School of Nursing in Victoria, Australia. Respondents completed the Smoking and Health Promotion instrument. Researchers obtained ethics approval prior to commencing the study. Smoking status was the main factor that affected respondents' attitudes towards smoking health promotion, with age and education stage having a minor effect, and gender and smoking duration not significant. Nurses have an important role in modeling non-smoking behaviors for patients. There needs to be consistency between personal and professional beliefs for nurses to properly engage in smoking health promotion. The findings have implications for undergraduate nursing education curricula, nursing practice and research, and these are discussed.

Socioeconomic pattern of smoking in Japan: income inequality and gender and age differences

PURPOSE

To elucidate the influence of individual socioeconomic status on smoking in Japanese adults.

METHODS

Using a nationally representative sample (20,206 men and 21,093 women aged 18 to 54 years), the relation between smoking and socioeconomic characteristics was analyzed by sex and age group (18 to 24, 25 to 39, and over 40 years).

RESULTS

The smoking prevalence was 57.0% for men and 16.6% for women. Living in an urban area was a negative factor for smoking in men, while a positive factor in women. Being married was positively associated with smoking in the younger population, but negatively associated in the older population. A relation between lower income and smoking was found in all groups, except in men aged 18 to 24 years. The income-related difference was most pronounced in the population aged 25 to 39 years: OR of smoking for the highest income quintile compared with the lowest was 0.60 (95% CI, 0.51-0.71) for men and 0.29 (95% CI, 0.23-0.35) for women.

CONCLUSIONS

Socioeconomic status, especially income, substantially predicted smoking in the Japanese population, while the impact differed according to sex and age groups. Effective anti-smoking strategies require consideration of the gender and age differences in the socioeconomic pattern of smoking.

Smoking prevalence and attitudes toward tobacco among student and staff nurses in Niigata, Japan

The present study investigated smoking prevalence and attitudes toward smoking in student and staff nurses, and activities to promote tobacco intervention by staff nurses. A total of 743 student nurses in 2 colleges and one university and 490 staff nurses in the university hospital in Niigata, Japan participated in the study and filled in self-administered anonymous questionnaires focused on smoking habits, attitudes toward smoking, and activities to promote tobacco intervention. The smoking prevalence among student nurses was 6% and increased with the year of study, whereas that of among staff nurses was 16% and increased by employment up to 3-5 years. Almost half of the student nurse smokers started the habit before admission to higher education facilities, and more than half of staff smokers also started smoking in their school years, in high school or college. Nicotine dependence, as defined by over 11 cigarettes per day and the first cigarette within 30 min after getting up, was high in smokers who started smoking before admission to college or university, but not in those who took up the habit thereafter. Thirty-six percent of student nurses and 25% of staff nurses agreed with the statement that "nurses should not smoke." Only 12% of staff nurses were involved in anti-tobacco interventions routinely, partly due to lack of broad knowledge and the necessary skills. Greater efforts are needed as a high priority to educate student and staff nurses systematically and comprehensively about the range of tobacco interventions available in Japan.

Smoking among Japanese nursing students: nationwide survey

AIM

This paper reports a study estimating the nationwide prevalence of and attitudes towards smoking among Japanese nursing students.

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization established "World No Tobacco Day" in 1987, and has been promoting antismoking measures worldwide since then, with annual themes. It has emphasized that health care professionals, including nurses, as role models for healthy living, should not smoke, and that as promoters of health education they should not seem to justify or condone their patients' smoking. To promote antismoking measures among nurses, it will be necessary to scrutinize the smoking habits and behavior of nursing students and associated factors, and to conduct effective antismoking education and health education before they acquire the smoking habit.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was carried out through self-administered, closed-ended, structured questionnaires. Questionnaires were mailed to 4169 nursing students at 27 randomly selected vocational nursing schools nationwide. Smoking status, history, and attitudes towards smoking were examined.

RESULTS

Smoking prevalence among female nursing students was 23.5%, which was higher than that among the Japanese general female population aged 20-29 (21.9%). Smoker-students were significantly more positive toward smoking than non-smokers in all opinions about health care professionals' smoking. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that smoking statuses of the people around the participants, dissatisfaction with being a nursing student, and living alone were associated with participants' smoking behaviour.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study suggest an urgent necessity to provide effective antismoking measures for nursing students.

International efforts in tobacco control

OBJECTIVES

To review international nursing involvement in tobacco control and discuss opportunities and challenges to enhance nurses' participation in decreasing tobacco-related morbidity and mortality.

DATA SOURCES

Published literature and published and unpublished material developed by nurses in their tobacco control initiatives.

CONCLUSION

Worldwide, nurses have been involved in tobacco control. However, many opportunities remain for involvement in the areas of education, research, and practice.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

There are numerous opportunities for nurses throughout the world to enhance their involvement in tobacco control.

Nursing and tobacco reduction: a review of the literature

Nurses have an instrumental role to play in tobacco reduction, which is one strategy used to address tobacco use; a primary source of preventable morbidity and mortality globally. The following review addresses activities by two groups of nurses: nursing governance bodies and nurse scientists, whom together provide vision and knowledge to support and shape nursing practice. While nursing governance bodies and scientists have contributed a great deal to tobacco reduction, there are also gaps. Areas that require strengthening are: support for tobacco dependent nurses, basic nursing education concerning tobacco dependency treatment, and integration of tobacco dependence treatment into nursing practice.

Tobacco use and baccalaureate nursing students: a study of their attitudes, beliefs and personal behaviours

AIM

To report findings about student nurses' attitudes, beliefs and personal behaviour in relation to tobacco issues.

RATIONALE

Nurses have the potential to influence clients' behaviours and public policy concerning tobacco use. However, a review of the literature suggests that this is not happening. Further understanding of nursing students' attitudes, beliefs and behaviours regarding tobacco use is needed in order to develop strategies which can positively impact on their future health promotion role.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of the total population of baccalaureate nursing students in one Canadian province was employed. Students were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire, which included questions related to their smoking history; stage of behavioural change, and beliefs and attitudes towards tobacco. Students also completed the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) and the Fagerström Nicotine Tolerance Scale.

FINDINGS

Two hundred and seventy-two students (61.9%) responded. Sixty (22.1%) indicated that they smoked daily or in social situations. These smokers were found to have a fairly low level of nicotine dependence and although 91.4% said they wanted to quit, few were actively engaged in the quitting process (16.9%). When comparing the beliefs and attitudes of smoking and non-smoking students, proportionally more of the non-smokers agreed that smokers will need close family/friends to help them quit; that the health of society should be protected by laws against smoking; and that nurses should set a non-smoking example. Non-smokers indicated more health promoting behaviours on items in the HPLP especially on the variables of physical activity, nutrition and stress management.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses have the potential to influence clients' behaviours and public policy concerning tobacco use. Developing future nurses with the knowledge and skill to do so needs to be an important emphasis of nursing curricula.