Knowledge, Attitudes, Prevalence and Associated Factors of Cigarette Smoking Among University Students: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of smoking and associated sociodemographic and economic factors as well as students’ knowledge about and attitudes towards smoking among university students in Oman. A proportionate random sampling technique recruited 401 students from three universities in a cross-sectional study. The prevalence of smoking was 9.0%. Significant differences in gender, place of residence, if participants had received medical advice, years spent at the university, student income/day, family members who smoked, knowledge and attitude scores were identified. Universities in collaboration with health care providers should be leading the development of strategies to reduce the prevalence of smoking and to sustain the current knowledge and attitude towards smoking. Gender-specific approaches to smoking interventions need to be developed.