Evaluation of the correlation and effects of different types of smoking on a sample of Iraqi students

This paper aimed to establish the correlation between various forms of smoking and the health risk perception in order to reveal the challenges to quitting smoking. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among 269 students via self-administered questionnaires that captured their demographic characteristics, smoking status, health issues, and quit efforts. Pearson's correlation and chi-square tests were used in comparing and determining the relationships between several variables. Therefore, findings revealed a high level of smoking initiation in late adolescence with use of the regular cigarettes being most prevalent. There was substantial knowledge on the dangers of smoking but most of them were engaged in smoking due to the influence from their peers and social pressure. Importantly, half of the participants stated that they tried to quit smoking; however, only a minority used effective cessation services. The study indicates that as much as students have information on the negative effects of smoking decisions and options available to them act as barriers to quitting the vice. Therefore, it was established that there is a scientific warrant for culturally tailored public health practices, which focus on the significant and distinctive Iraqi cultural and social factors contributing to the youths’ smoking habits. Thus, the stakeholders can contribute to the health improvement of this vulnerable population by supporting cessation initiatives and improving educational programs