A Cross-Sectional Study of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours Associated with Smoking among University Students in Yemen

Tobacco smoking is a global concern, and tobacco use is increasing among youth in Arab countries, such as Yemen, particularly among university students. The aim of this study was initially to explore smoking behaviours, attitudes and smoking-related knowledge among students in Yemen in various colleges/ departments.

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in urban and rural areas from March-May 2019. The data were collected from the faculties of Hodeidah University, as well as from the departments of Community College. The questionnaire was adapted from the Global Health Professionals Survey and Global Youth Tobacco Survey. A total of 760 students were randomly selected.

In the present study, 53 (27.3%) smokers who scored very high were considered vulnerable to high smoking dependency based on the FTND. Linear regression analysis revealed that students' smoking-related knowledge was strongly statistically associated with age, residence, smoking status, and geographic area (P<0.001). Sex, marital status, and school-year level were also significant predictors of smoking-related knowledge (P<0.05). The analysis revealed that age, family income, marital status, and school-year level were strongly associated with students' attitudes and beliefs concerning smoking (P<0.001). However, the analysis revealed that age >24 years and second and fourth school years were strongly associated with smoking behaviour (P<0.001). Students who obtained high attitude scores had low scores for smoking dependence (P<0.05). The attitudes and beliefs of smokers toward smoking were more significantly favourable than those of nonsmokers, and nonsmokers had significantly greater smoking-related knowledge than smokers did (P<0.001). The difference in knowledge levels about the negative effects of smoking and toxic tobacco substances from cigarettes among students from different departments and colleges was highly significant (P<0.001).

This study found a high level of smoking dependency among smokers, as indicated by FTND scores. Fourth-year students exhibited stronger smoking attitudes, greater knowledge, and lower dependency. Smokers had more positive attitudes toward smoking, while nonsmokers showed better awareness of its harmful effects. Significant differences in smoking-related knowledge were noted across different departments and colleges, emphasizing the need for targeted anti-smoking programs and enhanced education on the consequences of smoking.