Tobacco and health professionals. Actual situation

Abstract

Introduction: This work reviews current literature on the subject published in Spanish journals that study the attitudes, understanding and behaviour of health professionals concerning tobacco consumption. Material and Methods: 15 papers were selected that had been carried out using surveys similar to the WHO questionnaire for health professionals. Results: A classification was made of the characteristics and results obtained, there has been a significant decline in the number of consumers, with no significant difference between professions. Differences are found by sex and by age, with a greater number of women smoking. This prevalence is higher in hospitals than in primary health care. Conclusions: A positive evolution in tobacco consumption amongst professionals, with figures that are lower than those for groups of the same age amongst the general population. The need to improve understanding in dealing with individuals who smoke.