Medical Principles and Practice
Original Paper
Smoking and Its Determinants among Iranian Dental StudentsKhami M.R.a, c · Murtomaa H.c · Razeghi S.b · Virtanen J.I.c, daSchool of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, bSchool of Dentistry, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; cInstitute of Dentistry and dDepartment of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Dr. Mohammad Reza Khami Department of Community Oral Health and Dental Research Center School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences No. 14176-14411 Qods Street, Enghelab Avenue, Tehran (Iran) Tel. +98 21 8899 1033, Fax +98 21 8899 1034, E-Mail mohammad.khami@helsinki.fi |
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Abstract
Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate smoking habits of Iranian dental students in relation to their background characteristics and oral self-care (OSC). Subjects and Methods: A survey in the form of a questionnaire was conducted of 327 senior dental students in seven randomly selected state dental schools in Iran. In addition to smoking habits and background characteristics, the students were asked about OSC. A recommended level of OSC was defined as a combination of brushing at least twice a day, frequent use of fluoridated toothpaste, and eating sugary snacks less than daily. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 263 students (113 males and 150 females) completely answered the questions and were included in the analyses. Results: Of the 263 students, 59 (23%, 37 males and 22 females) reported current smoking (cigarette, pipe, or water pipe). Current smoking was associated with male gender (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.4–5.6), level of father’s education (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1–1.8), and OSC (OR = 4.4, 95% CI = 1.3–14.9). Conclusion: Smoking among Iranian dental students is similar to their socioeconomic group, and is associated with the characteristics of their background, such as gender and father’s level of education, as well as the quality of OSC. The results indicate a need to include smoking cessation education and public health activities in the dental curriculum to provide future health care professionals and role models for patients with adequate training in up-to-date patient management to control smoking.
© 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel
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Article / Publication Details
Received: February 15, 2009
Accepted: September 18, 2009
Published online: July 14, 2010
Issue release date: July 2010
Number of Print Pages: 5
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 3
ISSN: 1011-7571 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0151 (Online)
For additional information: https://www.karger.com/MPP
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