Assessing Smoking Behaviors and Influencing Factors among Jazan University Students: A Framework for Targeted Cessation Initiatives

Abstract

Background:Smoking remains a significant public health challenge worldwide, contributing to respiratory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and various cancers. In Saudi Arabia, despite stringent anti-smoking regulations, university students continue to demonstrate alarmingly high smoking rates. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of smoking behaviors and identify key influencing factors among Jazan University students, providing a basis for targeted cessation initiatives that address social, economic, and cultural determinants.
Methods:A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted at Jazan University using a prevalidated questionnaire derived from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). A total of 205 students participated (response rate: 71%). Data were analyzed using SPSS, employing both descriptive statistics and inferential tests (including chi-square tests and correlation analyses) to evaluate associations among demographic characteristics, social influences, and smoking behavior. Additionally, graphical presentations (bar charts, pie charts, and scatter plots) were developed to visually depict the findings.
Results:Among the respondents, 48.8% had ever smoked, with 38% identified as current smokers. The majority of current smokers were male (69.3%) and aged 20–25 years (65.9%). Key factors associated with smoking initiation and maintenance included peer influence (22%), curiosity (15.6%), and familial smoking habits (51.2%). Although 78.5% of students acknowledged the health risks of smoking, 19% continued to smoke regularly. Health information was primarily obtained from health workers (35.1%), the internet (31.7%), and social media (24.4%). Notably, 70% of smokers expressed an intention to quit within three months, and 42.4% reported a reduction in smoking following tobacco tax increases.
Conclusion:
The findings indicate that smoking among Jazan University students is driven by a complex interplay of socio-demographic, social, and economic factors. These results underscore the need for comprehensive smoking cessation programs that integrate mental health support, targeted health education, and family-based interventions. Future research should focus on evaluating the long-term effectiveness of such culturally appropriate initiatives in reducing smoking prevalence among university populations.