Exploring Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Regarding Different Aspects Of Tobacco Among Al-Baha University Students

Background: Tobacco use is a significant global health issue, impacting individual health and socio-economic factors, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of male university students towards tobacco use. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Baha University in Saudi Arabia from 2023 to 2024, selecting 385 male student tobacco users through a multistage sampling method. Results: The current study demonstrated a broad age range of participants with a mean age between 18 years (33.5%) followed respectively by 19-20 years (24.9%) and 21-22 years (24.2%). Most respondents have both living fathers (85.5%) and mothers (91.2%). Of parents 17.9% are illiterate, 40.3% have primary education. Household heads are primarily self-employed (32.7%) or employees (26.8%), and 35.1% of them earn less than 8000 SAR. 59·0% of respondents are aware of the harmful effects of tobacco, being cancer (46·2%) the most recognized damage. 60.5% admit to the addictive nature of tobacco, with nicotine as the most abundant addicted component (71.2%). Tobacco use is deemed unacceptable by the majority of respondents (64.9%) Opinions differ on how tobacco affects sexual behavior. Results suggest a nuanced view of tobacco users, where perceptions are split on ideas of self-confidence and societal acceptance. Tobacco use serves to address problems and for pleasure, often driven by peer pressure and avoidance of emotional pain. Former tobacco users had used for an average of 14.8 years and the most prevalent tobacco products used by the respondents were: cigarettes (44.2%), snuff (24.7%), and water pipes (23.1%). Patterns of Daily Use and Triggers for Cravings Implicate Potential Addiction and Social Influences. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for public health interventions to educate youth about tobacco risks and address underlying socio-economic conditions.