Work Schedules and Smoking Behavior Outcomes Among Physicians in Training: A Cross Sectional Study

Angelo Adraneda, MD

PURPOSE: The general objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of smoking among physicians undergoing specialty training. The study also aims to evaluate the smoking behaviors, knowledge and attitudes about smoking among these health professionals and the relationship between smoking motives and working schedules

METHODS: A modified survey sheet with questionnaires adapted from the Global Health Professional Survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) and The Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives (WISDM-68) was distributed among the physicians included in the study. Physicians undergoing specialty training in Metro Manila hospitals were included in the study. The study sample was divided according to duty schedules and the specialty training they are undertaking.

RESULTS: Five hundred fifty seven (557) from a total of seven hundred twenty (720) questionnaires were accomplished and included in the data analysis. Participants who were never smokers made up 57.45% of the study population while those who currently smoke made up 27.83% of the overall. For the specialty training programs, the highest prevalence of smoking is observed among physicians in the Surgery group at 39.62%. Among the duty groups, the highest prevalence of smoking was noted on those who are currently on every two (2) days duty schedule. Data collected showed that those with family members, immediate superiors and colleagues who smoke are more likely to smoke as well.

CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of smoking among physicians in training in Metro Manila. Specialty Training and to a lesser extent, the duty hours are major factors that bring about this high prevalence. Social factors such as the presence of a family member, an immediate superior or a colleague who smoke are major determinants in the tendency to smoke. There is a significant difference in knowledge and attitudes between smokers and non-smokers.

Chest. 2015;148(4_MeetingAbstracts):1070A. doi:10.1378/chest.2219074