The Prevalence, Severity, and Associated Factors of Cigarette Smoking among University Students: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Smoking is a global health issue for university students. Targeted preventative treatments in this population require knowledge of prevalence, severity, and associated variables. METHODS: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted among 363 university students who graduated in the second half of 2021 at Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences. The data collection tool was a researcher-made checklist. RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking in the studied community was estimated at 6.19%. Cigarettes (46.77%) and hookah (49.15%) were the most common types. The majority of students were daily tobacco users (5.59%). The results showed that the average age of students who used tobacco was higher (3.25 years vs. 08.24 years). Overall, 7.88% of the users were men, whereas the gender distribution in nonsmokers was almost homogeneous. The rate of smoking was reported to be higher in single and divorced students compared to married individuals. Dormitory residents have the highest smoking rate, and students living in their parents’ homes have the lowest smoking rates ( P < 0.05). There was no significant relationship between people’s body mass index, education, occupation, the number of hours of using electronic devices, and the family history of smoking with the frequency of smoking ( P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nearly one-fifth of the students studying at Jundishapur University were smokers. Commenting on the role of smoking in terms of health risk and reduction of health and vitality among students, the necessary measures to improve knowledge and attitude, and continue the performance of people towards the use of tobacco, seem to be necessary.