Abdul Rasheed, Zafar Niaz, Anjum Razzaq.
Assessment of smoking practices among Male college students.
Esculapio J Services Inst Med Sci Jan ;3(2):17-9.

The type of smoking varies according to the social status. Those in high social strata smoke filter Background: Smoking finds its roots in early adolescent life and lifestyle changes introduced at this level may prevent one from adopting this life threatening habit. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and practices of smoking among male college students. Methods: 200 male students of a government college were interviewed using pre designed questionnaire. Data was analysed using Epi Info version 3.3.2. Results: 85% did not know about any effect of smoking on health. Radio/TV was the main source of information. Most smokers were in 2nd year class (14%). Next was 4th year class (1.2%). Mean age was 18.5 years. Most of the smokers belonged to younger age group i.e. 17-19 years of age. More smokers belonged to urban areas (54.55%). Most of the smokers had parents who were businessmen (31.82%).The trend was highest in upper class (54.54%). Majority of the smokers developed the habit being inspired by their fathers (27.28%). Most of the boys (54.55%) smoked their first cigarette while they were at the college. Conclusion: Major lifestyle modifications may help curb smoking and reduce the harm brought by this menace to mankind.

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