Applying Problem Behavior Theory to Investigate the Factors Affecting Tobacco Products Use by Students at Eight Universities in the Greater Taipei Area

Abstract

There is growing concern related to the recent rise in consumption of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and heated tobacco products. The government should pay more attention to the use of various tobacco products by university students. Problem behavior theory was used in this study to explore the factors influencing the use of various tobacco products by university students in the Greater Taipei area. In this cross-sectional study, convenience sampling was used to select eight institutions of higher education in the Greater Taipei area. Eight departments recognized by the Ministry of Education were then listed on a table for use in randomizing the selection of third- and fourth-year undergraduate students. A total of 115 participants filled out the questionnaires included in the self-administered online survey. Data analysis was conducted using logistic regression. The prevalence of tobacco-product use in the sample was 5.22%. Logistic regression analysis revealed having parents who smoked (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 2.05), holding a positive attitude toward their parents' smoking (AOR = 4.23), having peers who smoked (AOR = 4.33), engaging in deviant behavior (AOR = 90.44), and having peers involved in deviant behavior (AOR = 103.99) to be associated with a higher likelihood of engaging in tobacco-product use. Family, peers and delinquency significantly influence the usage behavior of university students with regard to tobacco products. The government should allocate greater resources for tobacco harm prevention education aimed at the parents of university students. In addition, integrating tobacco harm education into campus curricula, utilizing social media for online digital education, and providing students with counseling and support measures are strategies that may help reduce the tobacco-product use among this vulnerable population.