The Effects of Socioeconomic Determinants on the Prevalence of Tobacco Smoking among Full-time Slovak University Students
Abstract
The problem of smoking has to be seen as a serious public health phenomenon conditioned by many factors. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper was to measure the extent and type of impact of selected socio-economic variables on tobacco smoking and the views on the risks associated with its use among students.
METHODS: The data set was obtained on the basis of a questionnaire survey. SAMPLE: 748 full-time students at Slovak universities (290 males and 458 females).
RESULTS: Relatively, the greatest effect is a student's (temporary) job alongside their studies. Out of the thirteen items on tobacco use, the impact of employment was found significant in eight of them.
In all cases, employment had a negative influence. Female students showed a significantly lower prevalence of lifetime use of water pipes and seemed to be more concerned about the risks of occasional cigarette smoking in comparison to their male counterparts.
The last major determinant is the type of faculty. The medical faculty played a significantly positive role in students' experience with water pipes.
Students majoring in health-specific fields reported significantly lower levels of the lifetime use of water pipes. The impact of the other potential determinants under study was insignificant.
CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that being of female gender and majoring in health-oriented fields are factors which have a significant positive effect on the prevalence of tobacco use and opinions about the associated risks among full-time Slovak university students. On the other hand, students' employment has a significantly negative impact.
Students who work show a higher prevalence of tobacco use and also spend more money on it. A finding of major concern is that students who work tend to use tobacco together with alcohol, and a significantly larger number of them found it difficult to quit smoking.