The Prevalence of Smoking and Associated Risk Factors among Students at Secondary School in Hodeidah Governorate

Background: Smoking is a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries, with over one billion individuals engaging in tobacco use globally. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of smoking and associated risk factors among secondary school students in Hodeidah governorate, Yemen, in 2022. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving a sample of 1,000 students from urban and rural areas, selected through a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire covering demographic details, smoking habits, risk factors, and perceptions. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS (version 28), employing descriptive and inferential statistics, with Chi-square tests to evaluate relationships between variables. Results: 21.8% of students were smokers, with smoking prevalence higher among rural residents (22.3%) and females (26.8%). Socio-demographic factors such as gender and marital status significantly influenced smoking behavior, with divorced students exhibiting the highest smoking rates (75%). The study also revealed significant associations between smoking and having relatives or friends who smoke. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for targeted smoking prevention strategies that consider demographic variations, focusing on early interventions in schools, community engagement, and culturally sensitive approaches to reduce smoking rates among adolescents in Yemen