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. 2020 Jul/Aug;43(4):319-330.
doi: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000000696.

"Everyone Needs a Breath of Fresh Air": Workplace Impact on Nurses' Smoking Behaviors

Anne Berit Petersen  1 , Linda Sarna, Mary Rezk-Hanna, Marjorie Wells, Iveta Nohavova, Stella Bialous
Affiliations

"Everyone Needs a Breath of Fresh Air": Workplace Impact on Nurses' Smoking Behaviors

Anne Berit Petersen et al. Cancer Nurs. 2020 Jul/Aug.

Abstract

Background: Europe continues to have among the highest worldwide prevalence of adult smoking (28%) and the highest among females (19%). Nurses' rates of smoking in the region are comparable or higher than the general female population. Nurses who smoke are less likely to intervene with patients who smoke; therefore, supporting nurses' efforts to quit is critical to promoting nurses' well-being and strengthening the profession's impact on prevention of tobacco-induced diseases.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore nurses' perceptions of hospital workplace factors that influence nurses' smoking and quitting behaviors in Central and Eastern Europe.

Methods: Each country had a project director involved in the recruitment of participants and the translation of instruments. Using a moderator guide, focus groups (N = 9) about smoking and quitting were conducted in 5 countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia) among 82 nurses who self-reported as current or former smokers. Recorded transcripts were translated and analyzed using content analysis methods.

Results: The majority of nurses were female (94%) and currently smoking (65%). Four major themes were identified that describe workplace factors influencing nurses' smoking behaviors and efforts to quit: (1) taking breaks, (2) effect of smoking on patient interactions, (3) perceived collegial support for quitting, and (4) impact of workplace policies.

Conclusions: Workplace factors influence nurses smoking and quitting behaviors.

Implications for practice: Changes in healthcare systems and policies are needed to support nurses' quit efforts. Additional education is needed to ensure that nurses understand issues related to smoking and interactions with patients.

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References

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