Work

Survey of staff attitudes to smoking in a large psychiatric hospital

Year: 2004

Type: article

Abstract: Aims and Method The aim of this survey was to examine staff views on smoking at work in a large psychiatric hospital. A postal questionnaire was sent to all clinical staff (n=1471) asking about their smoking habits and attitudes to smoking at work. Results The response rate was 40.7%. Overall, 22.0% of respondents were smokers, with unqualified nursing staff having the highest rate (31.0%). The majority of staff did not favour a total ban on smoking by staff, patients or visitors. Smoking habit and profession influenced responses. Smokers and nurses were more permissive in their attitude towards smoking on wards than non-smokers and psychiatrists. Clinical Implications Implementation of the government's recommendations on tobacco control in psychiatric units is likely to require considerable preparatory work with staff to ensure full compliance.

Source: Psychiatric Bulletin

DOI: 10.1192/pb.28.6.204

Authors: Jean Stubbs, Camilla Haw, Liz Garner

Institution: St Andrew's Healthcare

Language: English

Topic: Smoking Behavior and Cessation

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W2163202999