Tobacco use and associated factors among university students in Thailand
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-4-2022
Abstract
Background: Tobacco smoking remains a major public health concern as it is a leading cause of serious illness and premature deaths worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of smoking among university students in Thailand and identify associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five public universities in Thailand. The inclusion criteria were current enrollment in the university and age >= 18 years. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information about sociodemographic characteristics, smoking status, and knowledge and attitudes toward smoking. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with smoking. Results: Of a total of 1,299 students included, 28.2% were smokers, 76.5% in males and 23.5% in females. Being male, aged between 21 and 22 years, enrolled in a non-science major, living off campus, having a family member or friend who smoked, having a favorable attitude toward smoking, and having a moderate attitude toward smoking were significantly associated with being a smoker. However, knowledge about smoking was not a significant influencing factor. Conclusions: A high prevalence of smoking among university students was reported in our study. Our findings should be taken into consideration when developing programs to prevent smoking among this young social group.
Keywords
Prevalence, University students, Tobacco use, Associated factors
Divisions
FacultyofEconomicsAdministration,Socialprevent,ungku
Funders
Universiti Malaya (Grant No: GC004D-15HTM)
Publication Title
Journal of Substance Use
Volume
27
Issue
4
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Publisher Location
530 WALNUT STREET, STE 850, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106 USA