How does individual smoking behaviour among hospital staff influence their knowledge of the health consequences of smoking?

AIMS: This study examined associations between individual smoking habits among hospital staff and their knowledge of the health consequences of smoking and passive smoking. The a priori hypothesis was a higher level of knowledge among non-smokers compared with smokers.
METHODS: A survey was undertaken, based on self-administered questionnaires at a Danish hospital (Frederikssund Hospital) in the Copenhagen area. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analyses were used. A backward stepwise elimination of variables at a 5% level of significance was performed and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Main outcome measures were knowledge of the health consequences of smoking, passive smoking and other lifestyle factors.
RESULTS: A total of 445 of 487 employees (91%) from all professional groups returned the questionnaire. Compared with ex- and never smokers, smokers systematically underestimate the health consequences of smoking and passive smoking independent of profession, department, sex, and age. There is no consistent association between knowledge of the health consequences of smoking and profession and department. There are significant inverse associations between smoking and knowledge of the health effects of excess use of alcohol and lack of physical activity.
CONCLUSION: Individual smoking habits among hospital staff strongly influence smoking-related knowledge. No other variables are of consistent importance. These findings are supported by the literature. The validity of the study is good, but a similar study in a bigger population would strengthen the evidence.