How Do Attitudes Towards Sport Influence Tobacco Use and Nicotine Addiction In Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: Tobacco use continues to become widespread and still ranks among the top preventable causes of death. Understanding the causes of such risky behaviours among young people can make a strong contribution to preventive interventions. It aims to evaluate the tobacco and tobacco product use-related factors and the effect of attitudes towards sports on tobacco use and nicotine addiction levels among university students. Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out between July and December 2022 at Harran University. A stratified sampling method was employed, and data of 643 students from the faculties of Medicine, Education, Engineering, Economics and Administrative Sciences were analyzed. The research data were obtained through the University Students' Attitudes Towards Sports Scale, Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Scale, and a questionnaire designed by the researchers. Results: Male gender, being in close contact with smokers, and living alone at home were associated with being a tobacco and tobacco product user. Male gender, having financial difficulties, smoking status of people in the constant contact list, and father's interest in sports were associated with nicotine addiction levels. The University Students' Attitudes Towards Sports Scale scores revealed a significant difference between user and non-user groups but not with nicotine addiction levels. Conclusions: University students' avoidance of tobacco and tobacco products is related to their positive attitudes towards sports. Physicians can play a more active role in reducing tobacco use rates in society by routinely and sincerely encouraging active participation in sports activities in their clinics, with a high awareness that attitudes towards sports have a significant impact on tobacco use behaviors in young adults. Keywords: young adult, tobacco use, nicotine addiction, healthy lifestyle, sports, attitude