The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: To explore Thai nursing profession role in tobacco control and review relate literature. The expected outcome is policy recommendation in tobacco control for national nursing profession.

Methods: Instruments were developed through brain storming workshop of purposively selected 60 executive and register nurses who worked at the local, intermediate and tertiary care setting and responsible in tobacco control. Content validity was obtained by the group of experts. The questionnaire focused on examining nurses' knowledge and experience in tobacco control Out of 500 sent questionnaires, the returning rate was approximately 49 percent (229) from both administrative nurses and nurses who practically work. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Finally, the group of 21 nurse's experts in tobacco control were refined and formulated policy, process, and strategic recommendation.

Results: The results confirmed that Thai nursing profession still remain the main responsible in tobacco control both cessation counseling and prevention in primary, secondary, and tertiary care setting as well as in community. This finding corresponds with healthy Thailand policy. The big barriers for nurses to action included 1) no specific policy available in tobacco control at both local level and national level, 2) an inadequate both formal preparation, including in bachelor level and as a special program for nurses in tobacco control. Recommendation: First, the obvious and specific policy and goal are required. Nurses can use it as practice guideline. Second, short course training program concerning tobacco issues are in need. Finally, systematic training knowledge and skill should include in formal curriculum of health professional students.