[Smoking and doctors]

Abstract

The smoking control greatly depends on the general public opinion against smoking. It depends on many factors including the important role of health workers, especially of physicians. The authors interviewed 229 doctors working in the Belgrade University Clinical Centre. They had to answer a WHO questionnaire. The results were as follows: 34% of smokers, 18% of ex-smokers (no significant difference between sexes), and 48% of non-smokers. In the group of smokers 46% tried to strop smoking, but unsuccessfully. In a 5-year period 9% will continue to smoke; 24% will stop smoking, and 66% intend to stop smoking. The reason for those who will stop smoking are their children to whom they wish to give a good example (77%). In the group of non-smokers the reason was their own health. However, the experience of physicians is a good example for their patients (79% of non-smokers and 59% of smokers). For prohibition of tobacco advertising are 78% of non-smokers and 64% of smokers. About 40% of smokers and 25% of non-smokers plead for the permanent raising of tobacco price as a decreasing factor in tobacco consumption. However, all agree with the need of placing a ban on tobacco sales to children. In conclusion, doctors should be at the head of the smoking control and fight against smoking.