Trends of Tobacco Smoking Among Students of Private University, Lahore – Pakistan

Muhammad Ashraf Chaudhary; Muhammad Zeeshan Ashraf

doi:10.29054/apmc/2014.372

Muhammad Ashraf Chaudhary Professor, Head of Community Medicine CMH Lahore Medical College, Lahore
Muhammad Zeeshan Ashraf Department of Community Medicine CMH Lahore Medical College, Lahore

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2014.372

Keywords: Smoking, prevalence, tobacco, cigarettes, Shisha, university students

Abstract

Objective: To assess the trends of tobacco smoking among students of private university Lahore. Study Design: A cross-sectional study.

Place and duration of study: From April 2012 to May 2012 at Becanhouse National University, Lahore. Subjects and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data from 51 students after obtaining informed consent. Data was entered and analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Results: Prevalence of smoking was 60.8%. There were 62.5% male smokers and 60% female smokers. ‘Sheesha’ smoking was most common (40.6%).

Sixty-eight per cent smokers started smoking between 15-19 years of age. Cause of smoking in 64.5% was just for fun. Forty-eight out of 51 (94.1%) knew the hazards of smoking. Health education and high tax on cigarettes were pointed out by students to control the rising trend of smoking in the country. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of smoking among university students which is disturbing. There is also very high prevalence of smoking among female students which is worrisome. Prevention and cessation of smoking among university students is drastically needed.