Factors associated with smoking and risky drinking among university students in Japan

Little is known about smoking and alcohol consumption after high school in Japan. This study examined factors associated with smoking and risky drinking among Japanese university students, focusing on sex-related differences.

A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among students from five Japanese universities. A total of 253 men and 510 women anonymously completed questionnaires assessing smoking, alcohol use, substance-related behaviors, and depressive symptoms. Logistic regression using penalized regression methods were performed to determine factors associated with smoking and risky drinking.

Overall, 7.7% students reported smoking and 25.6% were classified as risky drinkers. Peer smoking was strongly associated with current smoking in men (odds ratio [OR]: 4.58) and women (OR: 2.45). Family smoking and depressive symptoms were associated with smoking only among women, indicating a sex-specific pattern. Regarding risky drinking, common associated factors in both sexes included alcohol-related negative outcomes (OR: 5.83 for men, 5.49 for women) and current smoking (OR: 3.83 for men, 4.86 for women). Among men, additional factors associated with risky drinking were living alone (OR: 2.96) and mixing alcohol with energy drinks (OR: 4.53).

After the age of 20, the rates of smoking and risky drinking might increase sharply among Japanese young adults. Sex-specific patterns indicate that male behaviors are shaped by external invitations and living situations, whereas female behaviors are linked to familial and psychological factors.