Tobacco prevention: Knowledge and attitude among nurses

Nurses are responsible for delivering education to quit tobacco. The current study explores the nurses role by comparing the knowledge and attitude towards prevention of tobacco use among nurses working in Psychiatric and Medical oncology department. A comparative descriptive survey was undertaken on a sample of 90 nurses working in psychiatric and medical oncology department of AIIMS, New Delhi. The subjects were assessed using self-developed knowledge questionnaire and 5-point likert attitude scale. Reliability and validity of the tool were established. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Majority of psychiatric nurses (58%) and medical oncology nurses(69%) had moderate knowledge. Majority of the psychiatric nurses (73%) and oncology nurses (71%) had positive attitude towards tobacco prevention. There was statistically significant association between educational qualification and attitude towards prevention of tobacco use at p<0.05 among psychiatric nurses. There was a statistically significant association between those who had not attended in-service education and attitude at p<0.05 in psychiatric nurses. There was a significant positive correlation between present work experience and knowledge regarding prevention of tobacco use among oncology nurses at p<0.05. Nurses had moderate knowledge and positive attitude towards prevention of tobacco use in both departments. This brings quality patient care in providing tobacco cessation interventions and reduces morbidity and mortality related to smoking and smoking related diseases