Smoking Behaviors, Oncology-Related Perceptions, and Smoking Cessation Confidence Among Healthcare Personnel: A Cross-Sectional Study

IntroductionSmoking among healthcare professionals is particularly relevant in oncology settings, where tobacco cessation support is an important component of patient care.This study examined smoking behaviors, oncology-related perceptions, and factors associated with quitting confidence among healthcare professionals in a Greek oncology hospital. MethodsA single-center cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling was conducted among healthcare professionals at a tertiary oncology hospital in Greece.Data were collected using an anonymous, selfadministered questionnaire assessing smoking status, oncology-related perceptions, nicotine dependence, quitting confidence, general self-efficacy, and perceived stress.Comparisons across smoking-status groups and regression analyses among current smokers were performed. ResultsAmong 198 participants (participation rate, 31.6%),79 (39.9%) were current smokers, 51 (25.8%) were former smokers, and 68 (34.3%) were never smokers.Current smokers reported lower oncology-related awareness and perceived healthy role-model responsibility than never and former smokers (all Bonferroni-adjusted p ≤ 0.001).Among the 78 current smokers who answered the quit-intention item, five (6.4%) intended to quit within six months.Nicotine dependence was inversely correlated with quitting confidence (ρ = -0.521,p < 0.001).In the fully adjusted regression model (n = 73), greater nicotine dependence (B = -0.982,95% CI -1.352 to -0.612; p < 0.001) and female sex (B = -1.463,95% CI -2.705 to -0.221; p = 0.022) were associated with lower quitting confidence.There was no clear evidence of an association between oncology-related motivation and quitting confidence in the fully adjusted model. ConclusionsCurrent smoking was common among participating healthcare professionals.Current smokers reported lower oncology-related awareness and perceived healthy role-model responsibility than never and former smokers.Greater nicotine dependence was consistently associated with lower quitting confidence.These findings highlight the potential relevance of assessing nicotine dependence when planning smoking cessation support for healthcare personnel.