ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS OF NON-MEDICAL STUDENTS TOWARDS TOBACCO USE AND SMOKING

Abstract

Objective: To study the attitudes and beliefs of non-medical university students
towards tobacco use and smoking.
Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted at Foundation
st University Institute of Engineering and Medical Sciences(FUIEMS) from 1 May
st 2011 to 1 November 2011. A self-administered English language questionnaire
was distributed by fourth year medical students to random sample of 450 male
and female students. Questionnaire was collected after 15 minutes.
Results: In this study 73.8%(n=237) were males, 26.2%(n=84) were females
with mean age of 21.69±2.18. Sixty six (20.6%) were current whereas 27(8.4
%) were ex- tobacco user. Male gender, family history and smoker friends was
found statistically significant with tobacco use (p=0.002, 0.00 and 0.00,
respectively).Cigarette use (79.4%) was most common, followed by sheesha
(8.4%).Experimentation (27.27%), peer pressure(18.18%), family influence
(16.66%), to look cool (13.6%) and stress (10.6%) were factors leading to
smoking. On questions about tobacco hazards and legislation, 53(83.30%) were
aware of the tobacco hazards and 68.1%(n= 45) knew of legislation but only
12% considered it effective. Current tobacco users didn't like the idea of their
future family using tobacco. 30.3% smokers agreed increasing tax or price of
tobacco will decrease the use by youth.
Conclusion: Tobacco use is prevalent more than previously assumed in nonmedical
university students and a more comprehensive approach, effective
policies and awareness at youth level with emphasis on a dedicated curriculum is
needed.