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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing |
Michael S. Dunn, PhD, Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Box 70674, Johnson City, TN, TN 37614, 423-439-4458, dunn@etsu.edu
The purpose of this study was to provide a descriptive profile of future health care professional's (public health, nursing, and medicine) alcohol, tobacco, and drug use behavior and health beliefs, as well as to determine differences between the three groups. A sample of convenience was drawn from graduate public health, nursing, and medical students attending a medium sized public university in the Southeast. From September 2004 to December 2004, 313 students were surveyed regarding their substance use behaviors and beliefs. Results of this study found that a large percentage of students from each discipline were binge drinkers and smokers, ranging from 21% to 28% for binge drinking and 13% to 33% for smoking. Significant differences were observed for benefits of avoiding heavy drinking, with medical students reporting less benefits of avoiding heavy use. In addition, medical students reported less exposure to cues to avoid heavy alcohol use compared to nursing and public health students. Significant differences were also found for benefits of quitting smoking and cues to avoid cigarette use, with nursing students showing the greatest risk. The present study indicates that a large percentage of students are engaging in activities that are potential harmful to their health and the delivery of care may be affected by one's health beliefs and behaviors. As such, health education activities should be mandated in schools of medicine, nursing, and public health.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Not Answered
The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA