Cigarette smoking and associated health risks among students at five universities

Abstract

Introduction: While most college students and other young adults who smoke fall into the light and intermittent smoking (LITS) category, they remain at risk for tobacco dependence and other adverse health effects from their smoking. This study examines smoking patterns, tobacco dependence, and other health variables among students at five universities to better understand how to identify and address tobacco use and related risks in a college health clinic setting. Methods:A health screening survey was completed by 2,091 college and graduate student volunteers seeking routine care at their university health centers or participating in a health class. Independent health variables were analyzed descriptively and in regression analyses with three levels of smoking (none, nondaily, and daily) and tobacco dependence to determine predictors and associated risks.Results: Nearly a quarter of students reported any current smoking, 41% of whom reported smoking less than 1 cigarette/ day (cpd). Of the daily smokers, 80% smoked less than 10 cpd but 45% met criteria for tobacco dependence. Any smoking was associated with high-risk alcohol use, risky driving, relational abuse, depression, less exercise, and utilization of emergency and mental health services. In regression analyses, students who experienced depression had more than double the odds of being dependent smokers (odds ratio [OR] = 2.32), as did those who reported abuse (OR = 2.07) or sought mental health counseling (OR = 2.09).

Physical exercise, energy expenditure and tobacco consumption in adolescents from Murcia (Spain)

“…In accordance with national 8,30 and international 16,17 studies, active adolescents smoke less. In this study, 85.9% of active adolescents indicated that they did not smoke, compared to 66% of non active adolescents.…”

“…[15][16][17] Continuous physical activity, t o g e t h e r w i t h a b a l a n c e d d i e t , contributes to an adequate regulation of body weight and makes the onset of obesity more difficult, both during childhood and adulthood (80% of Original article obese adults were obese children). 18 Besides, systematic physical exercise has been related to the prevention of metabolic and cardiovascular conditions.…”

Review of hookah tobacco smoking among college students: policy implications and research recommendations

“…Although much progress has made in reducing the prevalence of heavy cigarette smoking among US adults under age 25 (1,2), light smoking and nondaily smoking has dramatically risen among these young adults (3). This increase can be partly explained by the advent of flavored products in the US, particularly hookah tobacco (4,5).…”

Mudanças em comportamentos relacionados à saúde e indicadores metabólicos em universitários entre 2011 e 2014

“…Segundo esses autores, fatores determinantes para iniciação ou intensificação destes comportamentos são o histórico familiar, a personalidade do indivíduo, necessidade de socialização com seus pares e a exposição aos ambientes favorecedores da ação 22 . Neste sentido, com passar do tempo, com relação ao ambiente, o estudante tem a possibilidade de contato com maior número de colegas, consequentemente, mais oportunidades e companhias para bares e festas universitárias.…”

“…Neste sentido, com passar do tempo, com relação ao ambiente, o estudante tem a possibilidade de contato com maior número de colegas, consequentemente, mais oportunidades e companhias para bares e festas universitárias. Estes fatores podem ser agravados ainda, por exemplo, pela necessidade do jovem morar sozinho ou dividir a casa com outros participantes, o que gera um sentimento de liberdade e independência 22 . A respeito do IMC e CC, estudos já reportaram aumento da massa corporal de acadêmicos no decorrer da graduação 23 .…”