Survey of the Prevalence and Factors Related to Smoking Among University Students in Kerman

Background: Tobacco use is risky behavior that causes numerous health issues in addition to threatening cultural and social foundations. Due to its availability and lesser social stigma compared to other addictive substances, many students in Kerman universities have taken up smoking. This study examines the factors related to smoking among these university students. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study used multistage sampling with a sample size of 1052 students from Kerman universities in 2023. Data were collected via a questionnaire covering background information, smoking status, and factors influencing smoking behavior and prevention. Data were analyzed by SPSS 25 software using the chi-square test and Pearson correlation coefficient, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Participants had an average age of 21.67±2.86 years. Their self-reports indicated that 19.8% smoked cigarettes, 17.0% used hookah in the past 30 days, 30.4% had ever smoked cigarettes, and 41.3% had ever used hookah. Smoking rates were significantly higher among male students (P<0.001). Key reasons for smoking included entertainment (53.7%), stress reduction (50.8%), and peer pressure (50.5%). Key prevention factors were awareness of smoking’s harmful effects (54.0%), mental peace in the family (50.7%), and adherence to moral principles (46.4%). Conclusion: Smoking prevalence among students is on the rise, with a third of the students having smoked and about half having used hookah. Preventive educational interventions and stress-reducing recreational activities are recommended to mitigate this trend.