Global Health Professions Student Survey (GHPSS) in Tobacco Control in China

Objectives: To examine the prevalence of smoking, second-hand smoke exposure, and attitudes toward tobacco control and cessation training among university students in China. Methods: We administered the Global Health Professions Student Survey (GHPSS) to students from 50 universities offering medical/ health professional (MHP) programs and received 11,954 responses. Non-MHP students, MHP students, and third-year MHP students comprised the sample. Descriptive statistics were calculated for weighted prevalence and 95% confidence intervals. Key factors of interest and attitudes toward medical smoking cessation were examined using logistic regression. Results: Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke was higher among non-MHP (15.9%, 31.9%) than MHP (7.0%, 21.2%) students. For third-year MHP students, the rates were 6.9% and 19.7%, respectively. Students held positive attitudes toward smoking bans in public places and cessation services. However, few received formal training in smoking cessation, and 37.0% agreed that light cigarettes are less harmful to health. Positive attitudes toward cessation services were related to several factors. Conclusions: This study is the first comprehensive survey of students in China providing direction for building capacity in tobacco control and smoking cessation among students in health professional programs.