ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS OF NON-MEDICAL STUDENTS TOWARDS TOBACCO USE AND SMOKING

Objective: To study the attitudes and beliefs of non-medical university students towards tobacco use and smoking. Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted at Foundation st University Institute of Engineering and Medical Sciences(FUIEMS) from 1 May st 2011 to 1 November 2011. A self-administered English language questionnaire was distributed by fourth year medical students to random sample of 450 male and female students. Questionnaire was collected after 15 minutes. Results: In this study 73.8%(n=237) were males, 26.2%(n=84) were females with mean age of 21.69 +/- 2.18. Sixty six (20.6%) were current whereas 27(8.4 %) were ex-tobacco user. Male gender, family history and smoker friends was found statistically significant with tobacco use (p=0.002, 0.00 and 0.00, respectively). Cigarette use (79.4%) was most common, followed by sheesha (8.4%). Experimentation (27.27%), peer pressure(18.18%), family influence (16.66%), to look cool (13.6%) and stress (10.6%) were factors leading to smoking. On questions about tobacco hazards and legislation, 53(83.30%) were aware of the tobacco hazards and 68.1%(n=45) knew of legislation but only 12% considered it effective. Current tobacco users didn't like the idea of their future family using tobacco. 30.3% smokers agreed increasing tax or price of tobacco will decrease the use by youth. Conclusion: Tobacco use is prevalent more than previously assumed in nonmedical university students and a more comprehensive approach, effective policies and awareness at youth level with emphasis on a dedicated curriculum is needed.