The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Studying smoking (S) related attitudes and professional activity in Russian healthcare workers is not easy, due to the large population size and little professional interest to S. We performed a series of web surveys in health workers visiting a professional website, and supposedly, being more interested in professional information and education.

Methods: The first questionnaire on S habits, attitudes, and practice, aimed at all health professionals, was put on the National Cardiology Society website in 2004 (number of respondents, n=239). In 2005, another questionnaire, similar to that in GHPS, aimed at medial students, was put online (n=27). Besides, additional forms were mailed to smokers participated in the first survey, to assess their possible motives for quitting (2005; n=14).

Results: Among first survey respondents, 48%, 26% and 26% were never-, ex-, and current smokers. Most health professionals reported assessing S status and giving a brief cessation advice to their patients. Popular cessation assistance methods were individual behavioral therapy (75%) and nicotine replacement therapy (73%). Non-smoking policy was not enforced in most medical schools (67%). S health hazards were discussed at medical school (81%), but cessation assistance was almost ignored (11%). Smoking doctors reported they might quit for the sake of their own health (71%), if cessation assistance is more accessible (29%). To involve doctors into tobacco control more effectively, training on modern methods for cessation assistance, as well as professional help for smoking doctors, are necessary. Internet resources can be used for both tasks.