What differs former, light and heavy smokers? Evidence from a post-conflict setting
Tatjana Gazibara1, Marija Milic2, Milan Parlic2
1Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
African Health Sciences
|August 16, 2021
Summary
Smoking is prevalent in conflict-affected regions. This study found that environmental second-hand smoke exposure and depression are linked to increased smoking among students in Kosovo, highlighting the need for community-wide prevention programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Social Science
Background:
- Armed conflict zones are associated with higher smoking rates.
- Understanding smoking behaviors in post-conflict settings is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors associated with smoking status among university students in northern Kosovo.
- To identify predictors for different levels of smoking (non-smoker, former, light, heavy).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 514 university students in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo.
- Data collected via socio-demographic, behavioral questionnaires, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).
- Students categorized into non-smokers, former smokers, light smokers (1-13/day), and heavy smokers (>13/day).
Main Results:
- 22.6% of students were smokers.
- Factors associated with smoking included higher father's education, alcohol consumption, living with smokers, and depression.
- Exposure to second-hand smoke was linked to former, light, and heavy smoking.
Conclusions:
- Smoking prevention and cessation programs should involve the wider community due to second-hand smoke exposure.
- Prioritizing depression screening for student smokers is essential for post-conflict public health rebuilding.
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