Tobacco smoking in Mexican physicians. A comparative analysis with smokerswho are not physicians

Objectives. To determine prevalence, addiction knowledge and attitude on to bacco smoking in a group of smoking physicians (MF) and to compare these va riables with smoking non-physicians (FNM) and non-smoking physicians (MNF) from the National Institutes of Health in Mexico (Insalud). Material and me thods. The results of a questionnaire among the three groups were compared. Results. The prevalence of MF (22%) was significantly lower than in FNM (2 8%), (OR = 0.72, CI = 0.61-0.85). No significant differences regarding addi ction and attitudes were found between them. The MNF had better knowledge a nd attitudes and agreed that their Institute should be a non-smoking area. Conclusion. Prevalence of smoking is lower among physicians than among FNM and the similarities between them suggest that addiction can provoke them a nd that a program for tobacco control is required.