Prevalence and factors associated with tobacco consumption among students of a selected private University in Bangladesh

Abstract

Objectives: tobacco consumption has a significant association with several health problems. Among the eight leading causes of morbidity and mortality, tobacco consumption is the major risk factor for six causes. This study aimed to find out the prevalence and the factors associated with tobacco consumption among the students at a private university. Methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted at Daffodil International University from January to May 2017, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results: a total of 384 students participated in this study. The findings showed that 184 (48.4%) of the students of a private university were smoking any form of tobacco. Age, place of residence, knowledge of the consequences of tobacco consumption, health problems that the respondents were suffering, an affair of love, the frequency of library had a significant association with tobacco consumption. Conclusion: identifying associated risk factors is important to develop a prevention program and mitigate the epidemic situation of tobacco consumption among the students.