Smoking among university students in Kafr El-Sheikh Universi

Objectives To estimate the prevalence of smoking among university students and to identify patterns of smoking, family condition, and possible motives for smoking among the groups studied. Background University students are at a high risk of developing smoking habits as they become exposed to greater availability of cigarettes and close associations with smoking peers. Also, they face social, emotional, and educational challenges when they enter the university. Participants and methods A cross-sectional study was carried out at Kafr El-Sheikh University. All faculties at Kafr El-Sheikh University in Kafr El-Sheikh city were included in the study. The sample size was calculated using EPI-INFO program, version 7 depending on the total number of students registered in all faculties of Kafr El-Sheikh University during the year 2015–2016. All students who participated in the study were evaluated using a predesigned questionnaire through directed interviews with students. Results The prevalence of smoking among university students was 11%, with a higher percentage, 54.2%, at the Faculty of Commerce than other faculties of Kafr El-Sheikh University. The prevalence of smoking was higher among men than women, and other sociodemographic factors such as mother's occupation, presence of divorcing between parents, presence of smokers in the family, last year results, and working students were related significantly to the prevalence of smoking. Expression of virility 45.8% and smokers parents 12.5% were the most common motives for smoking. Conclusion and recommendations The prevalence of smoking among Kafr El-Sheikh University students was relatively high. Special focus should be directed toward male students and students at the Faculty of Commerce when targeting the problem of smoking.