Knowledge on Hazards of Smoking and Benefits of Quitting Smoking among the Smokers

A study to assess the knowledge on hazards of smoking and benefits of quitting smoking, among smokers admitted in Rajah Muthiah medical college hospital, Chidambaram. The quantitative research approach was used to assess the knowledge on hazards of smoking and benefits of quitting smoking among the smokers. A descriptive cross sectional survey was adopted and conducted at Rajah Muthiah medical college hospital among 463 samples, Chidambaram. The target population refers to patients who have the habit of smoking. Smokers, aged 20 years and above, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were the subjects selected for the study. Simple random sample technique was used in selecting samples from the smokers admitted in medical, surgical, and orthopaedic wards. The study subjects were interviewed with closed ended questionnaire, which was prepared by the investigator to assess the knowledge regarding hazards of smoking and benefits of Quitting smoking. The statistical tests, both descriptive and inferential, were used for analyzing the data. The study results revealed that the knowledge on the hazards of smoking was moderately adequate and benefits of quitting was adequate among most of the subjects. The level of nicotine dependency showed low nicotine dependence among most of the subjects, and the level of temptation showed extreme temptation to smoke due to various situations. Most of the subjects were in contemplation and preparation stage of readiness to quit.