In need of a nurse? Look in the smoking area

Research at St Andrews University has revealed that 31 per cent of female Scottish nurses smoke, compared with 7 per cent of female teachers. Significantly more nurses smoke than other women in the same social class, while the proportion for teachers is much lower.

Jacqueline Dutchak, who recently completely a PhD in St Andrews' School of Geography and Geosciences, surveyed 1,000 nurses and 1,000 teachers in Scotland. She said women often use smoking to create space and time for themselves.

The study was funded by Universities UK, St Andrews' School of Geography and Geosciences and Leeds University's School of Geography.