title: Prevalence and characteristics of smoking in primary healthcare workers in Iquique, Chile.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the prevalence and characteristics of the smoking habits of primary healthcare workers in Iquique, Chile.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study through a survey of all personnel working in primary health care in Iquique, Chile.
  
  
  METHODS
  The following variables were investigated: biodemographical characteristics and aspects of smoking, knowledge of the adverse effects of smoking, and some lifestyle factors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the study population, a high prevalence of smokers was found (37%) and a further 26% were ex-smokers. The smokers were predominantly practical nurses, female, aged 25-45 years and married. The only significant relationship was between age and smoking habit (P=0.02), with smoking prevalence among younger groups being very high (56%). There was a high level of awareness about the adverse effects of smoking and its addictiveness (99 and 93%, respectively). Forty-three percent of participants had been smoking for more than 15 years, and the main reasons for smoking were 'social consumption' and 'stress' (36 and 29%, respectively). Thirty-two percent of the ex-smokers ceased smoking for discomfort or health reasons. There were no differences between smokers and ex-smokers with respect to participation in sports or working shifts. Fifty-two percent of those surveyed reported they they were annoyed when others smoked near them.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study revealed a high prevalence of smoking, particularly among practical nurses. Regarding attitudes to health, a dichotomy between knowledge and behaviour was found in this group. In pursuing the commitment to smoking cessation in healthcare personnel, a deeper review of cultural issues and motivation should be considered.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health Studies, Universidad Arturo, Prat, P.O. Box 223, Iquique, Chile. psiques@tie.cl
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Siqués
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brito
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Muñoz
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pasten
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zavala
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vergara
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology*