The approach of Romanian pediatric medical professionals to tobacco consumption during childhood and adolescence

Introduction. The incidence of smoking is reaching alarming rates worldwide, and teenagers are the age group most susceptible to initiate smoking. There are numerous subsequent consequences, in terms of both medical complications and implicit costs. The exact situation nationwide is unknown, but interventions during pediatric age are mandatory. Material and methods. The study was based on a 10-question survey applied to 371 healthcare professionals (pediatricians, family physicians, etc.). They signed an informed consent form regarding their participation in the study. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Romanian Pediatric Society. The results were centralized and processed statistically. Results and discussions. The majority of respondents are familiar with the notions concerning smoking and the health related consequences of this habit. More than 90% of respondents insist on matters related to smoking in their discussions with patients and their parents, seeking to identify risk elements. Smoking during pregnancy and nursing was identified in 82% of completed surveys. Conclusions. The magnitude of smoking among pediatric population is alarming, placing Romania on the 4th place in Europe for the number of 13-year-old teenagers that smoke on a weekly basis. The fight against this phenomenon must be spearheaded by healthcare professionals by means of accurate and full information, with scientific and medical arguments, and by means of early detection of pathologies resulting from smoking.