Smoking prevalence and awareness about tobacco related diseases among medical students of Ziauddin Medical University.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of smoking and awareness of tobacco related diseases among medical students.


METHODS
A survey of all medical students of Ziauddin Medical University in the year 2000. The data was collected by a self-administered questionnaire.


RESULTS
A total of 264 (92%) out of 288 students responded to the survey. Smoking was more prevalent among males (26%) as compared to female students (1.7%). The knowledge about tobacco related diseases regarding lung cancer and stroke was significantly higher among females, while knowledge about small for date babies was significantly higher in males.


CONCLUSIONS
Smoking prevalence was higher among male students of Ziauddin Medical University, a trend similar to other medical colleges. Further studies regarding risk factors of smoking will help us to better understand the complex etiology of smoking related disorders.
Omair
A
A
Department of Community Health Sciences, Ziauddin Medical University, Karachi.
Kazmi
T
T
Alam
S E
SE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires