The Status of Knowledge and Belief of Pre-University Male Students in Isfahan, Iran, on Smoking and Its Harmful Effects and the Prevalence of Smoking among Them

Currently, smoking as one of human bad habits threaten health of millions of people around the world. Almost half of those who currently smoke began smoking under the age of 18 years. Considering that starting cigarette smoking at an early age increases risk of it, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of smoking and the status of knowledge and attitudes about smoking and its harms in pre-university students of Isfahan, Iran.

In this descriptive-analytic study, 382 pre-university students were selected by systematic random sampling. Data collection instrument consisted of a three-part questionnaire (personal characteristics, knowledge and attitude) completed by the students. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test.

The mean age of students was 17.72 ± 0.62 years. 33.0% of them experienced smoking at least once and 7.2% were smokers. 41.6% of studied students had a good attitude, while only 18.3% were well-aware. Non-smokers had higher levels of awareness (P = 0.001). Also, students who reported smoking experience, had a bad attitude (P = 0.017).

Low level of student's knowledge and attitude and high rates of smoking-experience among them, also, the low-age when these people initiated the smoking are hazardous. Accordingly, preventive efforts in adolescence seems to be necessary.