Osmangazi Tıp Dergisi, cilt.45, sa.5, ss.772-780, 2023 (Hakemli Dergi)
Physicians play a crucial role in reducing tobacco use. Besides many studies have shown doctors have a high prevalence of smoking. Dentistry students receive varying levels of education about the negative effects of smoking and tobacco products on general health and the risks of causing systemic and oral diseases. The present study aims to assess the prevalence of smoking, attitudes toward smoking, knowledge on smoking addiction treatments, and general self-efficacy of dentistry students. Utilizing a digital platform, the questionnaire form was constructed. The survey instrument employed in the research comprises two distinct sections: 1.Global Health Professionals Student Survey (GHPSS), 2.General Self-Efficacy Scale. 260 dentistry students were included in the study. The prevalence of smoking was %24.7 for 3rd-grade, %30.0 for 4th grade, and %30.3 for 5th grade. The smoking status of 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade dentistry students did not vary by educational level(p=0.320). Self-efficacy levels do not differ significantly according to 'never smoked', 'still smoking', or 'quit smoking' status(F=0.317,p=0.729). The majority of dentistry students participating in this study believe they have a responsibility to provide smoking cessation advice(n=228,%88,3) and should receive specialized training on the topic(n=214,%82,9). Attitudes toward smoking was related to general self-efficacy in some questions. In conclusion, the clinical education and self-efficacy levels of dentistry students had no effect on their smoking attitudes, according to the present study. Provisions should be made to increase dentistry students' limited knowledge of smoking cessation methods and treatments, and psychosocial support services should be provided to increase their self-efficacy during undergraduate education.