Objective: To measure the frequency of smokers among male medical and engineering students, to identify the socio-demographic factors affecting smoking habits and to compare the level of knowledge regarding hazards of smoking among these students.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt and University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila, Pakistan and included 304 students (154 medical & 150 engineering) selected by convenient sampling. Structured Questionnaire was used for data collection which was analyzed by SPSS version 19.
Results: Engineering students smoked more than the medical students; 40% Vs 32%. The students with higher average family income were more prone to smoking than those with low monthly income (19% vs 80%). The frequency of illiteracy was more among fathers & mothers of smokers than non-smokers i.e. 28% vs 32% & 45% vs 59%, respectively. Among the motives for smoking, reducing stress was the commonest cause (47%), curiosity and peer pressure were the second common cause (42%). Medical students were more knowledgeable (91% had good or excellent knowledge) as compared to engineering students (63%).
Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the frequency of smoking among two groups. Medical students had more knowledge about the hazards of smoking. Peer pressure, stress and a smoker in the family were significantly associated with smoking habits of students.
Key words: Smoking, medical, engineer, socio-demographic factors, knowledge.
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