A survey of the smoking habits of physicians in Curacao in 1995 - abstract

ABSTRACT

We sent a self-administered WHO smoking survey to all 245 physicians working on the island of Curacao. A response rate of 61 percent was reached without sending reminder letters. 33 percent were current smokers, smoking was more prevalent in males (68 percent) than females (34 percent), and the mean daily consumption was 11.8 cigarettes. Smoking prevalence and smoking behaviour amongst Curacaoan physicians proved to be highly similar to the data that have been revealed by Dutch studies, even though the smoking prevalence within Curacaoan population is lower than in the Netherlands. These findings may support the hypothesis of professional socialisation in medical school. Curacaoan and Dutch physicians also expressed similar opinions towards smoking. Among doctors the knowledge of smoking and diseases were found to be suboptimal. Curacaoan doctors report they want more information about smoking cessation programmes. (AU).