This study analyzes the inclusion of tobacco use in the curriculum of the São Paulo Mercy Hospital School of Medicine (FCMSCSP) and studies the involvement by medical and nursing students and faculty in this topic. Course coordinators from the two courses were interviewed on the approach to smoking and personal involvement in the issue. We asked them to draft questions on smoking as discussed during their courses. We interviewed 120 medical students and 80 nursing students. Patients from the last two semesters in the two courses were also asked about patient treatment. The findings point to a sufficient number of class hours on the subject, with some disciplines including specific classes on smoking and others approaching it within a broader context. The students answered the questionnaires successfully, demonstrating clearly that the topic is approached competently. Most of the medical school professors have direct contact with patients, but few ask about the smoking habit or orient their patients to quit. Few nursing professors have contact with patients, but when they do they provide patients with appropriate orientation. Most students from the last two semesters usually ask patients about smoking, but they are insecure about how closely their orientation is followed. We conclude that by the end of their undergraduate training students are ready to deal with smoking-related problems, but professors show limited involvement in the issue.
Smoking; Primary prevention; Schools, Medical
