ABSTRACT
To determine the prevalence of smoking among health care workers in the Capital Health Region and associate it to socio-demographic characteristics, and to study attitudes and behavior of smoking and quitting. A cross-sectional study was conducted during August and September 2002. All health care workers at Ministry of Health facilities, Capital Region, including Al-Amiri Hospital and the health centers propagated through the Capital Region were invited to participate using a self-administered questionnaire. The survey collected information on socio-demographic characteristics and on behavior and attitudes toward smoking and quitting. Out of a total of 1,625 participants in the study, 604 were male and 1021 were female; 76.4% were married, 47.7% were nurses and 41.1% had received a diploma. The overall prevalence of smoking among participants was 16.8%. The prevalence of smoking was 37.3% among males and 4.4% among females. It was observed that the prevalence of smoking was high among clerks [30.5%] and among those who had primary level of education [45.5%]. The majority of males [78.7%] started smoking before the age of 20 years while the highest percentage of females [60.5%] started after. The majority of male smokers [74%] attempted to stop smoking while only 50% of females attempted to quit. 8.8% of participants were classified as ex-smokers; they were obviously used to smoking fewer cigarettes daily. Health Care Workers have to set a good example to others by playing a vital role at various levels of smoking cessation. Hence, comprehensive tobacco control laws including bans on tobacco advertising and smoke-free public places, large clear health warnings and health education campaigns are needed