Prevalence of tobacco smoking and the attitudes and smoking behaviour of health professionals from a Maternity and Pediatric Hospital at Santander (Spain)

Abstract

The exposure to tobacco combustion products in the indoor environment, may be a risk factor for several diseases in the non smokers; principally when children or pregnant women are the passive smokers. We analyse, the results of the prevalence of tobacco smoking and the attitudes and smoking behaviour of health professionals from a maternity and pediatric hospital at Santander (Spain). The high prevalence of tobacco smoking, the displeasure because tobacco at work-place and furthermore, the great proportion of physicians who smokes in the presence of patients, have demonstrated the need of educational and restrictive measures against tobacco, in defense of rights and health of patients, visitors and hospital workers.