Relationship between smoking and general health in students of Iran University of medical sciences, 2006

Introduction: Hygiene promotion and provision of health care are important principals in community development. The aim of this survey was to determine the relationship between smoking and general health in students of Iran University of Medical Sciences. Methods: A total number of 1300 students participated in this analytic study. Stratified sampling was done. Data collection was preformed by a questionnaire including 3 parts: demographic information, lifestyle regarding smoking and general health questionnaire consisting of 28 questions. Results were analyzed by Chi-square test and P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The results revealed that general health had a significant relationship with smoking (P<0.05) and sex (P<0.01) and no relationship with age and residential status. Lifestyle was negatively correlated with smoking (P<0.05). Conclusion: Promotion of students' knowledge entails applying teaching instruments (pamphlet, brochure and poster), holding educational courses and introducing suitable guidance for avoidance or reduction of smoking.