Tobacco use among health professionals: example of one of the largest Czech hospitals, 2012-2023.

OBJECTIVES

The General University Hospital in Prague (GUH) is one of the largest hospitals in the Czech Republic. The prevalence of smoking among hospital staff is monitored as part of its Health Promoting Hospitals (HPH) network membership.

METHODS

This study employed a cross-sectional design, utilizing anonymous questionnaires distributed to all hospital employees in the years 2012 and 2023 through the hospital's electronic system (response rates 25% and 28%, respectively). Data were analysed using chi-square tests to compare smoking prevalence across time and among subgroups based on profession, sex and age group.

RESULTS

The total prevalence of smoking decreased from 38.4% in 2012 to 14.5% in 2023. Among all doctors, the rates fell from 15.86% to 6.75% (p < 0.001). For male doctors, the figures changed from 17.05% to 9.27% (p = 0.012), while for female doctors, the rates decreased from 15.22% to 5.24% (p = 0.001). Among nurses, the smoking prevalence declined from 44.59% to 17.64% (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The statistically significant reduction in smoking rates (p < 0.05) among both doctors and nurses is encouraging; however, there remains room for improvement. An increase in the use of other tobacco products was observed, particularly among nurses.