Factors associated with smoking and risky drinking among university students in Japan

Abstract

Background: Little is known about smoking and alcohol consumption after high school in Japan. This study examined factors associated with smoking and risky drinking among Japanese university students, focusing on sex-related differences. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among students from five Japanese universities. A total of 253 men and 510 women anonymously completed questionnaires assessing smoking, alcohol use, substance-related behaviors, and depressive symptoms. Logistic regression using penalized regression methods were performed to determine factors associated with smoking and risky drinking. Results: Overall, 7.7% students reported smoking and 25.6% were classified as risky drinkers. Peer smoking was strongly associated with current smoking in men (odds ratio [OR]: 4.58) and women (OR: 2.45). Family smoking and depressive symptoms were associated with smoking only among women, indicating a sex-specific pattern. Regarding risky drinking, common associated factors in both sexes included alcohol-related negative outcomes (OR: 5.83 for men, 5.49 for women) and current smoking (OR: 3.83 for men, 4.86 for women). Among men, additional factors associated with risky drinking were living alone (OR: 2.96) and mixing alcohol with energy drinks (OR: 4.53). Conclusions: After the age of 20, the rates of smoking and risky drinking might increase sharply among Japanese young adults. Sex-specific patterns indicate that male behaviors are shaped by external invitations and living situations, whereas female behaviors are linked to familial and psychological factors.