Prevalence and Cause of Smoking among the Dormitories Students in Gorgan University of Medical Sciences

Studentship is a period in which many behavioral patterns are forming. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the frequency and causes of smoking among students residing in Golestan University of Medical Sciences’ dormitories. A cross-sectional analytical study conducted among the dormitories male and female students in 2009. The sample size consisted all of the university dormitories’ students. The data gathered using a validated and reliable questionnaire, then, analyzed using SPSS software and statistical tests including chi-square, logistic regression and independent t-test, when appropriate. Of 669 students, 538 filled out the questionnaires completely and 67.3% were female. Totally, 92.4% of the students were single and 83.5% had experience of cigarette smoking, while 6.2% were current smokers (17.3% of males and 0.8% of females). Living with a smoker friend was the most important reason for smoking. There were significant associations between smoking and age, sex, region and year of education (p<0.05), however, we couldn’t find any significant relationship between smoking and filed of study and marital status (p>0.05). The results indicated low prevalence of cigarette smoking among the students. However, preventive measures should be taken to persuade youth toward healthier behaviors. It seems parental control and monitoring children’s friend finding are crucial issues.