Prevalence of cigarette smoking and evaluation of attitude and knowledge in its high school boys in Birjand, 2005

Smoking tobacco products is one of the most important risk factors of noninfectious diseases, especially cardiovascular and cancers. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of smoking tobacco products and evaluate knowledge and attitude of high school male students about smoking. This descriptive-analytical study was done on Birjand high school male students selected through cluster multi- stage sampling in 2006. A questionnaire which included demographic information and questions about attitude (12), knowledge (17) and practice (4) concerning smoking. The obtained data was statistically analyzed by SPSS software using chi- square test at the significant level (α<0.05). Overall, 1233 cases were studied out of which 3.9% were smokers and 21.3% had experienced cigarette smoking. There was a positive correlation of parent's level of education with prevalence of cigarette smoking and smoking experience. Prevalence of smoking in students whose mothers were employees was more than those with housewife mothers. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Besides, prevalence of smoking was in accord with education level. The most important cause of proneness to smoking was curiosity. 25.5% of the students had very little knowledge about the harms of smoking, 54.7% had moderate knowledge, and 19.8% had favorable knowledge. Attitude regarding the harms of smoking was weak in 5.1%, moderate in 48.3%, and good in 46.6%. Although prevalence of smoking was low compared to other areas of the country, experiencing of smoking was high. Since knowledge and attitude of the students concerning smoking hazards was not satisfactory, implementing educational programmes and social interventions at high school level seems necessary in order to prevent smoking.