Smoking among primary and secondary schoolteachers

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Abstract
A study of smoking among teachers found preva lence to be relatively low and showing signs of a downwards trend, particularly among women. Teachers who smoke cigarettes tend to have a lower consumption than is normal in the general popu lation - possibly reflecting restrictions on their habit associated with their working environment. Cigar and pipe smoking is a common alternative for men. A slightly higher proportion of teachers in primary and middle schools smoke than do secondary school teachers. In general, teachers accept that they have an important exemplary role relating to smoking, and believe it important to try to influence young peoples' smoking habits. However, there is a marked resistance on the part of existing smokers to further restrictions on their habit, or to a total ban on smok ing in schools. Thought should be given by schools to ways in which health education taught in the class room is supported by the wider school environment, including exposure to tobacco smoke and teachers' own smoking habits.