Predictors of Developing Positive Attitudes and Increasing Perceptions of Training in Tobacco Control Among Catalan Nursing Students: A Follow-Up Study

Abstract

Background: The knowledge and attitudes toward tobacco control among nurses are important factors in ensuring appropriate management of the tobacco dependence. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the predictors of developing positive attitudes toward tobacco control and increasing perceptions of tobacco-related training received during the nursing degree, among a cohort of Catalan nursing students.Methods: Observational prospective study of 1,097 Catalan nursing students. Participants completed a paper-and-pencil questionnaire at baseline (2015–2016) and an online survey at follow-up (2018–2019). We examined predictors of developing positive attitudes and increasing perceptions of training using Poisson regression models to compute the adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs).Results: Students in their last years of studies at baseline were less likely than those in the first years to develop a positive attitude towards the exemplary role of nursing students in tobacco control at follow-up (aPR = 0.74). Former smokers were more likely than current smokers to develop positive attitudes towards the exemplary role of health care professionals (aPR = 1.55) and, together with never smokers, to come to recognize the importance of nursing students setting a good example (aPR = 2.23 and aPR = 2.32, respectively). Last year’s students were also less likely than those in the first years to increase their perceptions of tobacco-related training received (all aPR < 0.71). Never smokers were less likely than current smokers to increase their perception of training in pharmacological treatments other than nicotine replacement therapy (aPR = 0.81) and to consider themselves capable of helping smokers quit (aPR = 0.78).Conclusions: The year of school and smoking status were strong predictors of developing positive attitudes and increasing perceptions of training in tobacco control.