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

Background: The knowledge and attitudes toward tobacco control among nurses are important factors in ensuring appropriate management of the tobacco dependence.

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.