Smoking and Substance Use Among Medical Students in Kermanshah, Iran

Abstract

Background: Cigarette smoking and substance use are critical social and health issues. Objectives: Given the general lack of research on students in medical sciences, this study aimed to investigate smoking and substance use among medical students. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2018, included 357 students from Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, selected through quota sampling. Data were collected using a self-designed questionnaire completed by the participants. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-24 software with both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Among the 357 students, 199 (55.7%) were female. The mean and standard deviation (SD) for age, age of smoking initiation, and smoking duration were 22.7 ± 3.11, 19.93 ± 3.28, and 3.79 ± 3.41 years, respectively. The rates of smoking and drug use were 16.8% and 5.9%, respectively. Smoking and substance use were more prevalent among married and male students (P < 0.001). Additionally, students in their fourth and fifth years of education and those living in student housing reported higher rates of smoking and substance use. Conclusions: This study found moderate rates of smoking and substance use among medical students. However, such rates are concerning, as medical students are expected to serve as role models for the public in promoting health-related behaviors.