Effectiveness of a course in the control of tobacco use for university health students: A quasi-experimental community intervention trial

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a tobacco control course in the reduction of prevalence and the improvement of knowledge and attitudes among university health students. Method: Quasi-experimental study on a community based intervention. Interventional campus students received a tobacco control course in the first year of the degree. Data were collected by Self-Answered Questionnaire during three academic years in two graduations years among health students in both campuses. Results: 84.4% of students participated in the study. In both campuses tobacco use was reduced, not significantly, above all in those joining courses from origins other than baccalaureate. In the intervention and control campus showed an increase in the nicotine dependency according to Fagerström test and a little change in motivation according to Richmond test. The regression model best explaining the improving of the knowledge included academic course mainly and campus and academic background too. With regard to opinions and beliefs tobacco use was not influenced, being associated in general to the academic course. Conclusions: A specific tobacco control course did not change prevalence of tobacco, nicotine dependence and motivation to give up. The improvement in knowledge was associated with academic course in both campuses. We recommend to commence smoking cessation strategies in university health students.

Knowledge, attitudes and tobacco use among nursing and physiotherapy students

“…As in previous studies conducted in a Spanish Faculty of Health Sciences (Fernández et al. , ), the Fagerström test showed a low nicotine dependence among smokers, with an average level of motivation to stop smoking; consequently, the study population constitutes an appropriate target group for interventions aimed at providing specific training and education in prevention and cessation techniques.…”

“…When establishing healthy behaviours, the group of people most look to as their role models are health professionals and students, and therefore it is important for them to avoid smoking in front of their patients (Camaño‐Puig ; Fernández et al. ). Health professionals have the potential to play a fundamental role in tobacco control strategies.…”