Smoking habits among Norwegian doctors 1974

Abstract

In the spring of 1974 a representative sample (N = 1200) of all doctors in Norway (6 000) received a mailed questionnaire regarding past and present smoking habits. Close to 95% responded. Among late responders there was a disproportionately high number of smokers. As compared with the general population, both male and female doctors constitute a small proportion of daily smokers and a large proportion of exsmokers. The greatest contrasts are observed in the younger age groups. The percentage of daily smokers in this crossectional study on the medical profession is approximately 50% lower than that found in the 1952--53 study on Norwegian doctors. There is also a shift away from cigarette smoking toward the use of pipe and cigars, which is not found in the general population. Answers to questions regarding reasons for quitting as well as certain attitudinal indicators show that the doctors' reduction in smoking is related to their professional involvement and high level of knowledge concerning the health consequences of smoking.