Page 64 - GS_Journal_2015

GS Research Journal

were determined. The respondents were composed of hospital personnel at the two government
institutions. It determined whether or not there is a significant difference in the awareness on
the no smoking policy and health effects, and the respondent’s profile variables. Further, it also
determined whether or not there is a significant relationship on the levels of awareness and their
profile variables. Descriptive method of research was utilized with the use of two (2) groups,
after a period of time in the levels of awareness of the No Smoking Policy, with the questionnaire
as the main tool used in data gathering. A total of 89 respondents were taken from the two
health care facilities. There were 37 Nurses, 1 midwife, 2 Laboratory Aides, 7 Pharmacists, 4
Medical technologists, 12 utility men and guards, 24 administrative aides, and 2 dieticians.
The following were the findings of this study: Majority of the respondents were young
adult and females. They were married and holders of a Bachelor’s Degree. They have less than
2 years of experience in the field of health care and most of the respondents were nurses.
Overall, the level of awareness of the respondents on the No Smoking Policy along policy
and consequences; and effects to health is Highly Aware. Further, there exists a significant
difference on the levels of awareness across highest educational attainment and position of
the respondents. Moreover, there exists a significant relationship on the levels of awareness
between the respondents’ highest educational attainment and position of the respondents. And,
the advocacy activities promote awareness on the No Smoking Policy and smoking’s effects to
health.
The following were the conclusions: The largest portion of the respondents was young
females since the nursing profession is dominated by female gender. Though they qualify for
the position of staff nurse, the respondent’s educational attainment is not remarkable failing to
pursue graduate and post graduate courses. They are also novices in the nursing field with less
than 2 years of experience. Moreover, the respondents are highly aware on the No Smoking
Policy since the policy is discussed at staff meetings and the copy is readily available for the
employees’ perusal though strict implementation and adherence to the policy is another area
of scrutiny. Furthermore, the respondents’ differences in educational attainment and position
create varying levels of awareness on the No Smoking Policy and will produce a gap in the
attainment of the institution’s goal of providing a 100% smoke-free work environment. Also,
the relationship between the levels of awareness and educational attainment; and levels of
awareness and position will pose a conflict on the rigid implementation of the No Smoking Policy.
Lastly, the advocacy activities will be more effective if other primary community hospitals will
adopt it.
The following recommendations were considered as a result of the study: Firstly,
the staff should pursue higher degree of learning so as to contribute more to the institution’s
achievement of their vision, mission, goals, and objectives. The hospital management should
strengthen No Smoking Policy by starting a more rigid and community-wide campaign and
advocacy activities to further increase awareness and to help employees quit smoking. Moreover,
there should be an information dissemination campaign on smoking related diseases for the
Hospital Personnel. To continue, the frontline healthcare providers should also encourage their

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