Awareness and perception of nicotine replacement therapy among healthcare students in Tamil Nadu an institutional based cross sectional study

Smoking, especially tobacco use, continues to be a major global public health problem. Healthcare facilities are increasingly recognized as possible settings for tobacco cessation programs. It has been showed that nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) increases the chances of effective quitting; however, a comparison between various healthcare discipline with regards to healthcare student’s awareness, attitudes, and perceptions regarding NRT is limited. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 151 healthcare students from an institution in Tamil Nadu, India. A self-administered questionnaire with 15 questions was distributed using an online survey platform (google forms). The survey was completed by 151 healthcare students in total. Of those, 49.7% were unaware of NRT and only 50.3% were aware of it. Only 28.5% of respondents recognized NRT as a pharmacological aid, and 51% were unable to name any NRT forms, indicating a lack of knowledge about the uses and forms. Although 50.3% of them were unaware about safety and contraindications, and 49% thought NRT with counselling was effective. However, 68.9% were interested in further learning, and 55% thought more training was required. According to the study, healthcare students had limited awareness, attitude and perception regarding NRT. Despite this, 55% of participants displayed a positive attitude and a desire to learn more, although moderate knowledge gaps were evident. Enhancing tobacco cessation practices requires integrating NRT education into healthcare curriculum.