Assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward smoking cessation among medical students in Rwanda

Background Smoking is a global health issue causing chronic illnesses and premature deaths, with over 1 billion smokers worldwide. In Rwanda, 2,100 individuals face tobacco-related diseases annually. Effective smoking cessation strategies are needed, but healthcare professionals often lack training. This study examines Rwandan medical students' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions toward smoking cessation. Method a descriptive cross-sectional approach was adopted for this study. The study participants include undergraduate medical students from the University of Rwanda and the University of Global Health Equity. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire designed with KoboToolBox, and disseminated through online platforms of these students. Data analysis was done with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23, and results were presented as descriptive statistics using frequency and percentages. Result 99.24% of our respondents identified as non-smokers, and only 22.05% have received specific training on smoking cessation, although 85.93% are willing to attend training on smoking cessation. In general, there is poor knowledge of smoking cessation among the respondents (61.98%). Further, 53.99% of the respondents have negative attitudes towards smoking cessation, and only 7.98% agreed that medical and pharmacy students need more training on smoking cessation. Lack of knowledge and skills (84.03%), non-availability of smoking cessation products (75.29), lack of time (45.63), lack of demand (27.38), and lack of self-confidence (36.50) are the identified barriers to offering smoking cessation services. Conclusion poor knowledge and negative attitudes toward smoking cessation are prevalent among medical students in Rwanda. There is a need to incorporate smoking cessation modules in medical curricula in Rwanda. Also, implementing peer support programs within communities will help to reduce the burden of smoking-related health challenges in Rwanda.