Monks and Tobacco : A look at Buddhist monks and tobacco use in Cambodia

Objective - Buddhist monks in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, were evaluated to determine their KAP (knowledge, attitude and practice) and influence regarding cigarette smoking. Design - An expanded 30-cluster survey, including core questions from World Health Organization guidelines, was employed to conduct in-person interviews with randomly-selected Cambodian Buddhist monks in Phnom Penh for a total of 318 interviews. Results and Discussion - 62% (n=197/318) of monks interviewed have (ever) smoked; but through the use of controls, it was determined that 44% (n=140/318)currently smoke. Of current smokers, 84% (n=118/140) want to quit. 60% (n=71/118) of those who want to quit gave 'health' as the main reason. Even though there is a general understanding that tobacco use is bad for one's health, the majority is unaware of the specific dangers of smoking. 71% (n=226/318) of all respondents said there should be a Buddhist law against smoking. 94% (n=299/318) agreed the government should require warning messages on all tobacco advertising; while an even higher percentage, 96% (n=305/318), thought the government should ban tobacco advertising. 95% (n=133/140)) of smokers stated they would attend a smoking cessation program if one were available. 86% (n=273/318) of all respondents expressed a willingness to teach people about the effects of smoking. Conclusion - Even though smoking prevalence is high among Cambodian Buddhist monks, most smokers want to quit. Figures also show that monks would be supportive of increased tobacco control measures including health education, government regulation and cessation programs for monks - measures needed to bring about desired behavior changes.