What is known about nurses smoking prevalence and behaviour? A scoping review

<bold>BACKGROUND:</bold> Nurse support can increase smoking cessation rates. However, tobacco dependency among nursing staff continues to be a significant challenge and may impact on smoking cessation. This scoping review aimed to explore prevalence of current smoking, identify their smoking behaviours, and explore the impact these factors have on professional practice. METHODS Multiple databases were searched (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, WOS, Cochrane clinical trials) using keywords for nurse smoking and outcomes. Studies reporting current smoking prevalence and/or smoking behaviours were included, no date restrictions and limited to English. Two reviewers screened the titles and abstracts, 8 completed the full text review and data extraction. <bold>RESULTS:</bold> 86 articles were identified predominately from Europe and north America, utilising observational study designs. A sub-analysis of 48 studies (single site/single questionnaire studies) highlighted current smoking prevalence levels in nursing students (N=19, 7172 participants, 22.5±11.0%) and registered nurses (N=29, 17822 participants 22.7±16.8%). When compared to non-smokers, studies of nurse smoking behaviours highlighted different professional behaviours, beliefs and confidence around health promotion education potentially impacting patient outcomes. <bold>CONCLUSIONS:</bold> Current smoking levels in nursing staff and students remain concerning, with potential implications for professional practice and patient care. Addressing smoking behaviours in this population is essential to improving patient outcomes.