Wasim Akram, Amna Shahzad, Rana Mozammil Shamsher Khan.
Nicotine Dependence and Reasons for Starting Smoking Amongst Students in Sialkot - a Cross-Sectional Study.
Pak J Med Health Sci Jan ;13(2):445-8.

Aim: To know the pattern and reasons of starting smoking in students. Study design : Cross-sectional Place and duration of study : Educational institutions of Sialkot during the month of September 2018 Methods : 416 consenting students above the age of 16 were included through non probability convenience sampling technique. Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence was administered and reasons of starting smoking were asked. Demographic data sheet was compiled and results analyzed by SPSS v 21. Results : Mean age of male and female students was 20.65 +/-1.37 and 20.27 +/-1.86 years respectively with range from 16-24 years. Majority ( 29.09%) were in their 14th year of study. 93.03% were unmarried. 229 (55.05%) belonged to middle income families. Families of 260 (62.5%) lived in urban areas and 263 (63.22%) students lived in hostel. 141(33.89%) had low, 125(30.04%) had mild to moderate level of dependence. 96 (2 3.08%) had moderate and 54 (12.98%) had high level of dependence. Reasons for starting smoking were to overcome stress 135(32.45%) peer pressure 57(13.70%) self medication to improve mood in 46 (11.06%) students. Conclusion: Of the 416 student 221(53.13%) had mild to moderate and moderate level of dependence. It was more frequent in unmarried males of 19-20 years of age studying in their 14th year, living in hostel and belonging to urban middle class. Most common reasons for starting smoking were to overcome stress 135 (32.45%) peer pressure 57 (13.70%) and self medication to improve mood in 46( 11.06%) students.

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