PREVALENCE OF CONSUMPTION OF TOBACCO AND NICOTINE-CONTAINING PRODUCTS IN THREE GROUPS (OFFICE WORKERS, HEALTH CARE WORKERS, PRIMARY HEALTH CARE POPULATION): BASELINE CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CROSS-SECTION

Abstract

The study presents a comparative assessment of the prevalence of consumption of tobacco and nicotine-containing products among medical workers and primary health care patients. A total of 200 people (100 in each group) were examined using questionnaire methods, including the Fagerström test and the determination of the stage of readiness to quit smoking by the Prohaszky test. It was revealed that the share of current tobacco/nicotine users is significantly higher among the population of primary health care (39.0%;), than in healthcare workers (28.0%, p<0.001). Men in all groups smoke more often than women, especially sharply in the population group (42.8% vs. 25.0%; p=0.041). The population is also characterized by an earlier start of smoking and a higher nicotine load. The data obtained indicate the most disadvantaged profile in the population, which justifies the need to prioritize preventive measures in this environment.