The problem of nicotinism in general practitioner's surgery

Background. Lifestyle is one of crucial elements, that have an influence on the health of population. Nicotinism, according to its widespread and consequences for heath, economics and society inspires to be investigated. Objectives. The aim of the study was an assessment of both the widespread of nicotinism among patients of the GP's surgery and the patients' knowledge about health consequences of smoking. Material and methods. Study group involved 100 patients of General Practitioners' Surgery "Ochrona Zdrowia", Grodzisk Wlkp. randomly chosen. The authors investigated 58 women and 42 men. Mean age was 45 years (ranged 21-75). The propagation of nicotinism and the knowledge on its consequences were evaluated by questionnaire. Results. Everyday and sporadic (less than 1/week) smoking declared 53% of studied group. Among them 8% was sporadic smoker. 26% of patients never smoked, and effective smoking cessation regarded 21%. The relation between smoking and: hypertension noticed 40% of surveyed, the cholesterol level - 24%, arteriosclerosis - 57%. For the majority of patients (71%) the age of smoking initiation was between 15-20 yrs. 66% of smokers had smoking parents. Among smoking women 13% do not stop smoking during pregnancy. Conclusions. 1. The widespread of nicotinism in analyzed group exceeds mean values for Polish population. 2. The patients' knowledge on the influence of nicotinism on health is insufficient. 3. Smoking prevention as well as smoking cessation is needed as early as possible.