Examining tobacco prevention and cessation among dental students in Southern Italy

Background: Previous studies have reported that tobacco use among healthcare providers (HCPs) has a negative impact on their beliefs and attitudes toward tobacco prevention and control measures. However, little is known about these among Italian dental students. Therefore, this single-site study examined tobacco use behaviors and the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of dental students at a public university in Southern Italy regarding tobacco prevention and control. Methods: A cross-sectional study through an online survey was conducted among 115 students aged 18 + years enrolled in dentistry and dental hygiene programs at a Southern Italy university. Chi-squared, Fisher's, t-tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used to compare the socio-demographic characteristics, tobacco use, prevention and cessation knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions between dentistry and dental hygiene students. Results: Current prevalence of cigarette smoking, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and other tobacco product use among students was 30.4% (CI: 27.3–33.4), 24.4% (CI: 21.7–28.6), and 16.5% (CI: 12.9–19.2), respectively. There were no significant differences in tobacco use by student type after adjustment for socio-demographic characteristics. About 38% were using at least one form of tobacco product, while 27% were dual users of cigarettes and ENDS products. The prevalence of second-hand smoking, ENDS vapes, and other tobacco product exposure among dental students was 65.2%, 36.5%, and 20.9%, respectively. Around 55% disagreed that HCPs who smoke are less likely to advise patients to quit smoking. Dental students demonstrated greater knowledge on cigarette smoking danger (87.0%), reasons why people smoke (63.5%), and received formal training in cigarette smoking cessation approaches (68.7%) versus their knowledge/motivations/training related to ENDS and other tobacco products. Conclusion: The normalization of tobacco use (including ENDS products) among dental students engaged in our study is deeply concerning and highlights the need for targeted tobacco prevention and cessation strategies in dental education, while further multicenter studies are required to assess whether similar patterns exist in other Italian dental schools.