Global health professions student Survey - Turkey: Second-hand smoke exposure and opinions of medical students on anti-tobacco law

Aim: This study, as a part of "the Global Health Professions Student Survey" (GHPSS), aimed to assess medical students' tobacco use, exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS), and opinions as well as smoking policies at medical faculties in Turkey. Methods: The study was conducted in 2010 as a school-based survey of third-year students in 12 medical schools. GHPSS uses a standardised methodology for selecting schools (probability proportional to student enrolment size) and data processing. In total, data from 1,217 of third year medical students were analysed. Results: Prevalence of current tobacco use among participating students was 28.5%. Exposure to SHS in the last seven days was 46.9% at home, and 42.2% in other places. Among smokers, over 7 in 10 students reported smoking on medical school premises during the past 30 days and the past year. Conclusion: Medical students' exposure to SHS is common and smoking on medical school premises/buildings constitutes a problem. Turkey passed an antitobacco law in 2008, yet enforcement of the law must be stronger. In addition, medical schools must evaluate, and likely revise their education curricula to better prepare medical students to advocate tobacco control.