Abstract

This is a cross-sectional study aimed to determine the smoking prevalence among students of Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, and conducted via face to face interview technique. 1032 students are reached. The prevalence of smoking is found as 24.0%. The smoking prevalence significantly higher among male students, students not residing with their parents, and students who have smokers among their family or friends. While the reason for starting smoking is questioned; 36.7% of the smokers declared the reason as ?friends?. Fifty-eight point nine percent gave a history of quitting and 64.4% declared that they want to quit. Ninety five point six percent of non-smokers stated the reason for non-smoking as ?I know that it is hazardous to my health?. Physicians have the potential to influence the community and there fore they should have a mission and responsibility for decreasing the prevalence of smoking. For the combat against tobacco, informing the medical students about the hazards of tobacco and conduct in-service trainings after graduation are essential.

Key words: Smoking, medical faculty students

Article Language: Turkish English