Smoking habits of students in College of Applied Medical Science, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Med J. 2000 Jan;21(1):76-80.

Abstract

Objective: To establish a baseline data on the smoking habits of health science students in a Saudi Arabian university environment.

Methods: The participating subjects were students of the College of Applied Medical Sciences within the age range of 18 to 26. An experimental design with pre-structured questionnaires, and simple random sampling was administered to 712 participants by a panel of experts in behavioral health sciences.

Results: Out of 647 respondents, 186 (29%) were current smokers. Of those that indicated that they were currently smokers, 127 (20%) were male and 59 (9%) were female. The 20-24 year old age group exhibited the highest prevalence of smoking (P<0.000). Major factors influencing the smoking prevalence were the smoking habits of peers, siblings, and parents (P<0.005). Most of the respondents appeared to be Light Smokers , consuming less than 10 cigarettes per day. When asked of their awareness of the health hazards of smoking, 73% of the respondents answered that they were aware of the hazards. Of those that smoked, 70% expressed a desire to cease cigarette smoking. Media influence was considered to be the major source of information on the health consequences of cigarette smoking.

Conclusion: Cigarette smoking is prevalent among students of health care professionals. Author advocates a collaborative effort in order to alleviate the consequences of cigarette smoking among health professionals. This effort must embody a multidisciplinary approach that includes legislators, mass media, public education and health professionals at all levels.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Occupations / education*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Media
  • Needs Assessment
  • Parents / education
  • Prevalence
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Smoking / epidemiology*
  • Smoking / psychology*
  • Smoking Prevention
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Students / psychology
  • Students / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Universities*