Abstract
Background Although tobacco use is highest in high-income countries, most tobacco-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries with the highest number of deaths recorded in East Africa. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the pooled prevalence and associated factors of current cigarette smoking among Ethiopian university students. Methods The authors searched databases from PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Web of Sciences. The publications included in the analysis were inclusive, the literature was searched from January 2011 to December 2018. The JBI-MAStARI critical appraisal tool was applied to 13 publications identified by the database search. I2 statistics were used to indicate heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using the visual funnel plot. A p value < 0.1 was considered as indicative of statistically significant publication bias. A random effect meta-analysis model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence of cigarette smoking, and the variables associated with cigarette smoking were examined. Results The meta-analysis of 13 studies showed that the pooled prevalence of current cigarette smoking was found to be 12.55% (95% CI: 10.39–14.72; I2 = 94.0%) with no publication bias according to Egger's test (p = 0.007) for cigarette smoking by 2.05 (95% CI: 1.52–2.75). Factors associated with cigarette smoking were peer influence 2.79 (95% CI: 1.62–4.82; I2 = 35.7), khat chewing (95% CI: 2.81–15.26; I2 = 82.5), and alcohol use 11.16 (95% CI: 7.46–16.71). Conclusion Our findings indicate a high prevalence of cigarette smoking among Ethiopian university students as compared to the general population. Gender, peer influence, khat chewing, and current alcohol use were significantly associated with cigarette smoking. The authors recommend promoting antismoking campaigns, emphasizing health hazard public service announcements about cigarettes, and integrating health education on smoking in youth-friendly services, especially targeting higher educational institutions.
Highlights
Tobacco use is highest in high-income countries, most tobacco-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries with the highest number of deaths recorded in East Africa. e aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the pooled prevalence and associated factors of current cigarette smoking among Ethiopian university students
A systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the overall prevalence of current cigarette smoking and its associated factors among Ethiopian university students is critically needed
Outcome Measure. e systematic review with metaanalysis had two main outcomes. e first outcome was to determine the pooled prevalence of current cigarette smoking. e second outcome of the study was to identify factors associated with cigarette smoking. e prevalence of cigarette smoking was calculated by dividing the number of students engaged in cigarette smoking to the total number of students who have been included in the study multiplied by 100
Summary
Tobacco smoke is a toxic mix of more than 7,000 chemicals, and many of these chemicals are stored or detoxified in body’s tissues where they cause damage. Cigarette smoking by youth and young adults has immediate and long-term adverse health consequences including death. Despite the critical impact of tobacco use, there is a gap in data concerning university student smoking habits and the population to target with risk reduction. A systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the overall prevalence of current cigarette smoking and its associated factors among Ethiopian university students is critically needed. E data can inform policy makers, educators, and health care workers on the ways to help reduce the prevalence of university student tobacco use and, in the end, to improve the health of Ethiopians. What is the best available evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of cigarette smoking among Ethiopian university students?. Objective e objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of cigarette smoking and its associated factors
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