The Prevelance of Tobacco Use and the Factors Influencing in Students Studying at Two Dentistry Faculties in Turkey

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease that is characterized by irreversible and progressive airflow limitations [1]. The prevalence of COPD is approximately 20%, and it is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality [1]. Morbidity and mortality rates due to COPD are gradually increasing, and COPD has been estimated to be third leading cause of death by the end of 2020 [2]. However, it is not yet appropriately diagnosed and treated.Although it is a frequent and severe disease, the general population lacks awareness on COPD. In a study from Canada, the awareness rate of COPD was 17%, whereas the awareness rates of breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, and Alzheimer's disease were 95%, 95%, and 94%, respectively [3]. In a study from Turkey, which is part of the Global Alliance Against Respiratory Disorders project, 49.6% of the participants correctly stated that COPD mainly affected the lungs [4]. Among the participants, 47% declared that they did not know which organ was affected. Ersu et al. investigated the awareness rate of COPD among primary care doctors, and approximately half of the primary care physicians answered that they were aware about COPD [5].

Evaluation of the frequency of use and the dependence level of cigarette and other tobacco products in the vocational school of health services students

“…The rate of smoking among VSHS students at our university was found to be 22.7% in our study. The fact that the smoking rate in male students was significantly higher than that of females was also consistent with the data of the world and our country (17).…”

Prevalence and determinants of smoking status among university students: Artvin Çoruh University sample

“…However it is possible to estimate general trends when comparing other universities' results in recent years. According to current data, compared to the country's overall cigarette smoking rate in that age group-and compared to university students' smoking rates in studies conducted in last five years-we found our study population's smoking levels to be higher for both genders (10,20). Previous studies conducted among Turkish students revealed that living in urban areas was found to be a risk factor in their smoking habits (21).…”

Prevalence and determinants of smoking status among university students: Artvin Çoruh University sample

“…According to current data, compared to the country’s overall cigarette smoking rate in that age group—and compared to university students’ smoking rates in studies conducted in last five years—our study population’s smoking levels were higher among both sexes [10, 21]. Previous studies conducted among Turkish students revealed that living in urban areas was a risk factor for smoking habits [22].…”

“…Consequently, university life itself can be a risk factor for both the initiation of and increases in smoking behavior. Accordingly, studies that compare first- and last-year university students’ smoking levels [9, 10]—and studies that follow Turkish students prospectively—revealed an increased smoking rate during university life [11]. Preventative measures during this period are critical, such as campus-wide smoking bans, educational symposiums about the harms of tobacco, and other measures that are known to negatively impact smoking rates [12, 13].…”