Prevalence and determinants of smoking status among university students: Artvin ?oruh University sample

Abstract Background and aimWhile smoking prevalence has decreased in many developed countries, in others it is still an increasing risk factor for public health, especially among young adults. In this study we aimed to find the factors affecting university students’ smoking status. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between March and June 2017 with a simple random sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics, cigarette smoking status, and the related risk factors. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis with the Backward:LR test were performed. ResultsOut of 2723 students, 2505 students’ data were available and suitable for analysis. Mean participant age was 20.9±2.5, with female dominance (58.9%). Students studying in two-year degree departments comprised 45.6% of the study population, and the remaining 54.4% of the students were in 4-year degree departments. In terms of parental smoking habits, 36.1% reported a smoker father, while that rate was 10.3% for mothers and 15.0% for siblings. Current smokers represented 27.9% of the group: 46% among males and 15.3% among females. Mean age for beginning smoking was 16.34±2.72, 15.65±2.67 for males, 16.34±2.72 for females (p<0.05). Mean Fagerstr?mtest score was 4.43±1.82, and female students had lower test scores than males (p<0.05). After controlling for potential confounders in multivariate analysis, it was seen that five factors were positively associated with current smoking (p<0.05): male gender (OR:3.43; 95%, CI:2.75-4.28), studying in two-year programs (OR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.39-2.18), having at least one close family member who is a smoker (OR:1.63; 95% CI:1.31-2.04), having close friends who are all smokers (OR:1.81; 95% CI: 1.40-2.33), and alcohol consumption (OR:4.39; 95% CI: 3.51-5.49). ConclusionOur study showed a higher smoking rate among our study population, both compared to similar nationalstudies and the country’s overall smoking rate. Underlying factors should be evaluated via qualitative studies and preventive strategies should be implemented accordingly.