The Smoking Prevalence Among University Students in Erbil City/ Iraq

Abstract

Background and objectives: To assess the prevalence of smoking among university in Erbil city in relation to gender, also the difference in brushing between the two groups (smoker and non-smoker students). Methods: a cross sectional survey were planned to consist of 600 students from 3 different universities (Hawler Medical University, Tishk International University and Salahaddin University) with an age range 17-25 years old. Results: The prevalence of smoking was 33.1% and those smoking students smoked Hookah in about 47.2%, while 39.2% smoked cigarettes and 13.6% of them smoked Vipe. Prevalence of brushing among smokers and non-smokers were approximately the same (98.5%- 98.3%) respectively. Conclusions: the prevalence of smokers was nearly one third of students. Male smokers were more than female. Hookah used mainly by the students than the other types. Prevalence of brushing teeth was approximately the same among both groups. Nearly three-fourth of the students among smokers and non-smokers did not have bad breath.

Keywords

• smoking
• university students
• hookah
• and cigarettes