Prevalence and determinants of smoking among students and staff of the Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taza, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Morocco

Abstract

Smoking remains a major public health concern and an alarming social phenomenon, particularly in developing countries and especially among the increasingly young population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of smoking among students and staff at the Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taza, assess their attitudes towards tobacco, and examine the determinants of tobacco use. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among students and pedagogical, administrative, and technical staff (PATS), during three months in 2012 and two months in 2018. The participation rate was 59.6% in 2012 (105 out of 175), 60.2% in 2018 (106 out of 176) for PATS, 60.5% in 2012 (908 out of 1501), and 63.5% in 2018 (1139 out of 1794) for students. Prevalence in 2012 was higher than in 2018 (9.1% in 2012 versus 4.4% in 2018 for students and 17.1% in 2012 versus 8.5% in 2018 for PATS). Ex-smokers made up 4.4% of students in 2012 and 4.3% in 2018, while 6.7% in 2012 and 11.3% in 2018. Smoking was significantly higher (t-test) for males than for females in both periods and for both categories (P<0.001). The average age of smoking initiation was earlier for both categories surveyed. Dependency levels were high in 33.2% of students in 2012 and 11.1% of students in 2018, as well as 20.5% of PATS in 2012 and 9.4% of PATS in 2018. The most common means of withdrawal were willingness for PATS and family support for students. The findings of the present investigation highlight the importance of awareness-raising and educational activities and, above all, of strengthening motivation and support for those who wish to quit smoking.