Pattern of cigarette smoking among college students of Quetta

ABSTRACT

Cigarette smoking habit is developed more at the young age, hazardous to health and causes premature mortality. To determine the pattern of cigarette smoking and factors contributing to the said habit among college students of Quetta. Randomized study. This study was conducted at the Bolan Medical College, Quetta during the academic year 2010-2011. a total of 850 students from different colleges of Quetta were randomly selected during the academic year 2010-2011. Prevalence and influence of factors associated with the cigarette smoking were recorded on a predesigned questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed with the help of statistical procedures. Out of the total, 122 students were smokers, 23 ex-smokers and 705 non-smokers. Smokers had the habit for charm and relaxation. While non-smokers and ex-smokers avoided cigarettes use due to family blame, religion and its adverse effect on health. Besides, the habit was found more common among students whose fathers and brothers were smokers. Majority of them knew the hazards and very little number was smoking in the public places. Young age and transition period from school to college is a critical time to adopt the habit of cigarette smoking, hence needs an immense attention of the authority designing tobacco control policies. Healthy recreational activities, awareness programs related to its hazards, non-smoking home environment, increased tax and ban on its advertisements are the essential measures, which can minimize the habit. In addition, the present basic work would serve as a template to conduct further advanced studies on this line