Prevalence and Reasons of Inclination towards Smoking among University Students

Students as educated people are good models of non-smoking people for those who are close to them. This study reviews factors affecting the prevalence of smoking among university students in Shahroud in 2010. In this descriptive- sectional study، the data was collected through a self administered questionnaire which contained 10 general and 15 specific items on tobacco use. The design and initial validity of the questionnaires was approved by the professors and specialists. The questionnaire was administered to 1800 students at universities in Shahroud. The average age of the participants was 28. 5±3. 5 years. 21. 6% (n=389) of the participants used tobacco (80% male and 20% females). Cigarette was the most widespread means of smoking followed by water pipe (31%) and pipe (5%). Among the major factors for tobacco use were having smoking friends، stress، being far from family and entertainment. Significant relationships were observed between smoking and sex، educational level، marital status، residence، parental education level and income (P<0. 001). With regard to the high prevalence of tobacco use among students، opening counseling offices and using trained peers can play a significant role in reducing tobacco use.