Prevalence and correlates of cigarette smoking among male students of Guilan ‎University of Medical Sciences ‎

Introduction: Smoking is one of the most important risk factors of noninfectious diseases. &lrm;The period of studying at the university, with its specific characteristics from the view point &lrm;of health politicians, is one of a great importance in regard to the prevention of smoking. &lrm; Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cigarette smoking among &lrm;male student in Guilan University of Medical sciences and its related factors.&lrm; Methods: This descriptive analytical study was done on male students enrolled in Guilan &lrm;University of Medical Sciences who were selected through systematic sampling. Data &lrm;gathering was done by using a questionnaire including demographic features and cigarette &lrm;smoking variables. Data was statistically analyzed by SPSS software using chi-square and &lrm;logistic regression. &lrm; Results: &lrm;&rlm;51&rlm;&lrm; students (&lrm;&rlm;23%&rlm;&lrm;) were current smokers. There was a positive relation between age &lrm;&lrm;(OR=&lrm;&rlm;1.32&rlm;&lrm;), having close smoking friends (OR=&lrm;&rlm;3.36&rlm;&lrm;) and mothers with high education &lrm;&lrm;(OR=&lrm;&rlm;7.5&rlm;&lrm;) with cigarette smoking in students (P<&lrm;&rlm;0.05&rlm;&lrm;). &lrm; &nbsp;Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of cigarette smoking among university students, &lrm;it appears logical to implement educational programs and proper interventions at university &lrm;level.&lrm;