Smoking - the knowledge and behaviour of young people in Northern Ireland

McGuffin, S. J.; Chem, C.

doi:10.1177/001789698204100205

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…This finding was similar to those reported by many others. [11][12][13] The data of this study reveal that most of the university students of both groups have good knowledge about the harmful effects of smoking, with some differences between the groups of students. Medical students were significantly more knowledgeable than students of the CE, which can probably be attributed to the positive impact of the medical information available to medical students.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Smoking Habits of King Saud University Students in Abha, Saudi Arabia

et al. 1998

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Background:The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of smoking among university students of King Saud University in Abha City, to determine ecological factors for the problem, and to assess the students' knowledge about the health effects of smoking, and attitudes towards public action against smoking. Materials and Methods: All medical students at the University College of Medicine (MC) (n=202), and a representative sample of students of the College of Education (CE) (n=300), were subjected to a modified Arabic version of the World Health Organization standard questionnaire for young people to study their knowledge, attitudes and practices of smoking. Results: The study revealed the following results among students of the CE and those of the MC, respectively. Prevalence of regular smoking (17.5% vs. 13.6%; P=0.25); heavy smokers (39.5% vs. 27.8%; P=0.38); smokers of moderate-to high-nicotine yield (92.7% vs. 50%, P=0.0004), and tar yield (48.8% vs. 16.7%, P=0.02). Curiosity was the main reason for initiation of smoking (41.2% vs. 51.9%), followed by the desire to show off (27.5% vs. 51.9%, P=0.03), and peer pressure (27.5% vs. 7.4%, P=0.04). Friends were the main source of the first cigarette (53.1% vs. 55.6%), followed by parents (2% vs. 40.7%, P=0.0001). Most students were knowledgeable about smoking and had favorable attitudes against it. However, MC students were significantly more knowledgeable than those of the CE. Conclusion: Smoking still constitutes a major problem among university students in Abha, in spite of their knowledge of its hazards. This may be due to the addictive effect of smoking, peer pressure, negative parental attitudes and other reasons. There is a need to implement an anti-smoking program for college students, and possibly legislation to limit the amount of tar and nicotine in cigarettes.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%