Tobacco smoking and substance use among medical undergraduates in Najaf, Iraq: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Tobacco smoking and substance use is a public health hazard. The investigations studying tobacco smoking, substance use, and their associated factors among Iraqi undergraduates are limited. Our study aimed to examine tobacco smoking, and substance use among medical undergraduates in Najaf, Iraq, and report associated characteristics. Methods A piloted questionnaire was utilized to conduct a descriptive cross-sectional web-based survey. The snowball technique was used for sampling. The subjects’ features, perceived risk of harm, location, motivations, and effects of cigarette smoking and substance misuse were used to conduct association testing. Results Tobacco smoking was reported in 17.3% of the students (at least once in the previous month), and substance use in 3%. Mostly, the age of initiation was <15 years, and psychological stress (50.9%) was the reason for tobacco smoking and substance use. However, the presence of a smoker or user friend or family member was significantly associated (p-value <.05) with tobacco smoking and substance use. Conclusion The prevalence of tobacco smoking and substance use and several risk factors were identified. In addition to promoting awareness about tobacco smoking and substance use and its potential consequences, the associated characteristics reported in this study are useful when developing effective counteracting policy initiatives.