Smoking problem among Helwan University students: Practical versus theoretical faculty

IntroductionUniversity students are at high risk of smoking as they become exposed to greater availability of cigarettes and intimate association with smoking peers. Also, they face social, emotional and educational challenges when they enter the university.Aim of the workTo explore the magnitude of smoking problem among Helwan University students and its related factors.Subjects and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at Helwan University. Two faculties were taken; one of them was a practical faculty (Pharmacy) and the other was theoretical one (Social Work). A sample of the students from 1st year and last year of each faculty was taken via the multistage random sample technique. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire modified from the standard questionnaire of National Center for Social and Criminal Research, 2002.ResultsThe percentage of current smokers was 8.6%. Smoking prevalence was higher among the students at faculty of Social Work than at faculty of Pharmacy [(12.1%) versus (5.3%); p-value = 0.001] and their concern about smoking effect on health was less. Smoking was higher among males than females; [(28.5%) versus (0.9%); p-value < 0.001]. Other socio-demographic factors namely; father’s education and occupation, presence of dead mother, and working students were significantly related to smoking. Friends (47.6%) followed by fathers (44.4%) were the commonest models of smokers.54.4% of students were exposed to passive smoking which was mostly at the university (84%).ConclusionsHigh prevalence of smoking among Helwan University students was found. Special concern should be directed to male students and to students at theoretical faculties while targeting smoking problem.