Smoking behaviour among male students in a Saudi University

Abstract

Background: Smoking among university students is a social and public health problem worldwide. There is a high prevalence of smoking in Saudi Arabia. Aims: To investigate the factors associated with the onset and cessation of smoking behaviour among university students in Saudi Arabia, and establish what contributes to changes of students' smoking behaviour. Methods: A sample of 340 students from a national university in Saudi Arabia was randomly recruited and surveyed twice at a 5-month interval. Multiple ordinal logistic regression was run to compare changes in social, psychological and political factors and their impact on students' smoking behaviour. Results: We found that beliefs supporting nonsmoking (e.g., religious prohibition of smoking) correlated with changes in smoking behaviour among university students [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.23-2.91]. There was a significant positive correlation between government policy and changes in male university students' smoking behaviour (AOR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.29-0.072). The psychological effect of smoking, such as releasing psychological pressures, was also correlated with changes in smoking behaviour (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.21-0.47). Conclusions: Our study suggests that the government can play a significant role in curbing smoking by strengthening beliefs promoting antismoking among university students, by developing corresponding policies against smoking, and by providing psychological consultation for them.

Factors associated with tobacco smoking among Saudi college students: A systematic review

“…Two studies investigated only cigarette smoking 18 , 19 and one addressed waterpipe smoking 27 . Two research articles did not define which type of tobacco smoking was being measured 20 , 29 . Twenty studies examined the determinants of tobacco smoking among Saudi college students, using a retrospective cross-sectional design and based on no particular theoretical framework.…”

“…However, one study did utilize a longitudinal observational design (time 1 vs time 2), using two theoretical frameworks (i.e. social learning theory and social control theory) 29 . In all, 43% of the included studies utilized pre-designed questionnaires (Global Adults Tobacco Survey [GATS] or Global Youth Tobacco Survey [GYTS]).…”

“…Overall, four studies maintained a high-quality score of 12 out of 15 points 9 , 19 , 21 , 32 . Seven studies showed a moderate quality of assessment, as they obtained a median score of 9 15 , 18 , 20 , 23 , 29 - 31 . Ten studies were rated as poor quality, with a median score of 7 (Supplementary file, Table S2) 16 , 17 , 22 , 24 - 28 , 33 , 34 .…”

“…the chi-squared test), 20 determinants were found significantly associated with Saudi tobacco smoking behavior, taking into consideration that some studies had tested more than one variable ( Table 2 ). Seven studies indicated that some determinants were strong predictors of tobacco smoking among Saudi students, using multivariate analyses 9 , 19 , 21 , 23 , 29 , 31 , 32 . Although almost all of the included studies were done in a cross-sectional design, which inhibits the conclusion of any findings, results identified some possible risk factors associated with tobacco smoking.…”

A Fuzzy TOPSIS with Z-Number and Alpha-Cut in Identifying the Key Factor of Smoking Behaviours in Jordan

“…These four criteria were Cigars/Pipes (C1) [32]- [34]. Cigarettes (C2) [35]- [39], Chewing Tobacco in the Mouth (C4) [40]- [42]. The four criteria are choose from previous research on smoking.…”