KNOWLEDGE AND PERSONAL RISK PERCEPTION OF SMO¬KING AMONG CONSULTANT POPULATION IN 2 FAMILY ME¬DICINE CENTERS IN SANTIAGO

Description

Introduction: Approximately 14,000 people died in Chile because of smoking related diseases in 2002. Tobacco companies affirm that smokers know about the smoking health risks. However, medical evidence concludes the opposite. Objectives: To study the level of knowledge and the personal risk perception of smoking related diseases in a group of current smokers in Santiago. Methods: A voluntary survey was administered by trained interviewers to 251 current smokers consulting in two Family Medicine centers in Santiago, between April and June 2006. Results: 27% of respondents answered incorrectly questions about smoking health effects. 43% of respondents do not perceived a greater personal risk of cancer or acute myocardial infarction respect to other people of the same age. Conclusions: An important percentage of current smokers do not know the effects of smoking on heath and only a half of them perceive a greater personal health risk. lt is necessary to apply public health strategies in order to improve the knowledge and the personal risk perception of smoking health effects. Medical advice should be also improved.