The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Prevalence of cigarette smoking and other tobacco use; Exposure to second hand smoke; Training and knowledge about the health effects of tobacco use; Attitudes about tobacco: support for banning smoking in enclosed public places, health professionals' role in tobacco control and training health professionals in cessation techniques and Cessation of tobacco use.

Methods: The Global Health Professionals Survey was developed to collect data on tobacco use and cessation counselling among health–profession students in all WHO member states. GHPS is part of the Global Tobacco Surveillance System, which collects data through three surveys: the GYTS, GSPS, and GHPS. The Ghana GHPS is a school–based survey of final–year students pursuing advanced degrees in dentistry, medicine, nursing, or pharmacy. This information could be very useful in monitoring and developing Ghana's comprehensive tobacco control program.

Results: Majority of students who participated were very supportive of tobacco–control efforts. They supported bans on smoking in public areas including hospitals, schools, restaurants, night clubs, and other enclosed public spaces.

Most students were well informed about the health effects of tobacco use. In general, they were well aware of the causal role tobacco plays in many diseases. The majority reported knowing that tobacco smoke is harmful to smokers and non-smokers and exposure to smoke causes heart disease, cancer and illness among children.