Abstract
BackgroundSmoking remains a leading public health challenge globally. As a psychosocial determinant of health, social capital can influence health attitudes and behaviors, and thus it may have the capacity to reduce smoking rates. The aim of this research was to examine the association between social capital and attitudes towards smoking among university students.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 538 health and medical students, recruited using the proportionate sampling method. Participants’ social capital and attitudes toward smoking were assessed using the social capital questionnaire (SCQ) and the scale of cigarette smoking attitude (CSA). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and the multiple regression analysis.ResultsAbout one in four health and medical students reported smoking, either currently or in the past, and 30% had either positive or indifferent attitudes towards smoking. The mean scores of the SCQ and the CSA were 105.1 ± 19.7 and 48.6 ± 11.2, respectively. There was a statistically significant negative association between the SCQ and the CSA scores (r = − 0.24; p < 0.001). In the regression analysis, the SCQ scores were also negatively and statistically significantly associated with the CSA scores, after controlling potential confounders (B: -0.09; 95% CI: − 0.13 to − 0.004).ConclusionsAs future healthcare providers, who are expected to take the primary role in reducing smoking rates in the community, health and medical students should be supported to develop appropriate attitudes towards smoking. Promoting positive social capital among university students has the capacity to improve their attitudes towards smoking. Possessing negative attitudes towards smoking should hopefully reduce smoking behaviors among future health professionals and improve their participation in anti-smoking campaigns.
Highlights
Cigarette smoking is one of the most significant public health concerns worldwide, accounting for more than 5 million deaths annually, with the figure expecting to grow [1]
The prevalence of cigarette smoking is high among university students globally, including students who study in health-related fields [5,6,7,8]
This study aimed to examine the role of social capital in shaping attitudes toward smoking among Iranian health and medical students
Summary
Cigarette smoking is one of the most significant public health concerns worldwide, accounting for more than 5 million deaths annually, with the figure expecting to grow [1]. The prevalence of cigarette smoking is high among university students globally, including students who study in health-related fields [5,6,7,8]. In Iran, cigarette smoking rates among medical students vary between 15.2–23.8% [10, 11]. As the future role models, the high rates of smoking among health and medical students are concerning [1], that health professionals are expected to play a crucial role in anti-smoking campaigns [12]. The aim of this research was to examine the association between social capital and attitudes towards smoking among university students
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
