RESUMO
The aim of this study was to investigate the university curriculum and perceived tobacco control policies amongst staff and students of University College of Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan. A modified self reported validated standardized global youth tobacco survey [GYTS] was used amongst two hundred and fifty five staff members and students of faculty of dentistry, the university of Lahore, Pakistan. Of all the participants 59.3% demonstrated below median level of activity in any tobacco related teaching or learning in last one year. Staff [68.7%] members were significantly less likely to have been participated in tobacco related activities over the last one year compared to students [54.7%] p=<0.05. Only 12.3% of all the participants perceived that their institute had all three tobacco control policies [i.e. a policy preventing students to use tobacco in campus, a policy preventing University personnel from using tobacco in campus and / or a policy declaring the campus [Tobacco Free]] out of which at least one was enforced in the campus. Males [19.6%] perceived that their institute was 'Tobacco free'and prevents students and university personnel from in campus tobacco use compared to females [6.4%] p=<0.05. University staff was 2.42 [95% Confidence Interval= 1.05-5.57] times significantly more likely to perceive that their institute had all three tobacco control policies compared to students p=<0.05. The results of the study emphasize the need to amend the curriculum at health care institution / university level towards tobacco control. Stricter policies and better implementation is necessary to meet the international tobacco free campus initiative