Epidemiological Survey of Smoking Behavior among Medical Students

Objectives To acknowledge the health hazards of tobacco and attitude of tobacco control among the medical college students, provide the theoretical evidence for decision-makings and related interventions.

Methods Use quantitative and qualitative surveys. Quantitative survey use cross-sectional method. Two medical universities in Shandong province were random sampled, using stratified cluster random sampling, with major and grade as strata. Using cross-sectional survey methods, the participants filled the anonymous questionnaires. Qualitative survey adapted panel discussions.

Results The total tentative smoking rate was 27.0%, the rate of male students was 50.1%. The total current smoking rate was 5.1%, the current smoking rate of male students was 11.0%. The whole conceivable rate was 54.8%. The exemplary behaviors from the doctors and teachers were supported by 23.9%.

Conclusions The smoking rate of medical students is lower than the general population. Medical students have a certain basic knowledge and conceptions on tobacco control even though it's still weak; smoking control regulations should be developed and promoted as soon as possible.