The Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking among University Students in Kars and Risk Factors

Objective: We aimed to document the prevalence of the cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and drug usage among university students in Kars, and the risk factors of these very essential issues.Material and Method: Initially, official permission was acquired from the President of the University. The number of students involved in the study was determined in accordance with the mean of classes at four faculties and two vocational schools of higher education. Results: A total of 1168 students were surveyed, with a mean age of 21.76±2.89. The number of students who had tried smoking was 672, with a prevalence of 32.3%, and the mean age of first smoking attempt was 16.10±3.69. Likewise, the number of alcohol attempting students was 436, and mean attempt-using age 17.87±2.54. There were 44 (3.8%) students who had tried drugs. Risk factors for smoking: being over 22 years, staying with friends in houses, enrolling in social sciences, being married-engaged and, simultaneously, using alcohol and/or drugs, and getting high allowances.Conclusion: Smoking, alcohol and drug use are risk factors for each other. The social environment and personal relationships are important. While fighting against smoking, we must take into consideration the roles of risk factors and try to minimize these risks. The roles of friends especially must be considered and media and other facilities must be used.