The prevalence of unhealthy habits in residential areas and personal social circles is associated with smoking and alcohol consumption among young adults

BACKGROUND: The impact of the prevalence of unhealthy habits in a person’s living environment on the individual likelihood of smoking and alcohol consumption in Russia remains understudied. AIM: To analyze the associations of smoking and alcohol consumption with the prevalence of unhealthy habits in residential areas and personal social circles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022–2023 in six Russian regions, involving students in secondary and higher educational institutions. The study included 2015 men and women aged 25 years and younger. All variables were obtained through a survey method. Associations were assessed using logistic and ordinal regression analysis. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Living in an area with low levels of visible alcohol consumption was associated with a lower individual likelihood of smoking (OR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.48–0.93), alcohol consumption (OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.43–0.76), and with lower cigarette consumption and alcohol intake volumes. An increase in the number of smokers in a person’s close social circle was associated with smoking (OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.61–1.88), alcohol consumption (OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.30–1.48), higher cigarette consumption, and greater alcohol intake. A higher number of alcohol consumers in one’s immediate social environment was also associated with smoking (OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.06–1.22), alcohol consumption (OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.05–1.22), and greater alcohol intake. CONCLUSION: The frequency of unhealthy habits within close social circles and the level of visible alcohol consumption in residential areas are associated with the individual likelihood and volume of smoking and alcohol consumption among Russian students.