The Prevalence of Smoking Traditional Cigarettes, Hookah and Electronic Cigarettes among Palestinian University Students

Abstract

Objective(s): To assess the prevalence of smoking cigarette and e-cigarette among Palestinian university students and to investigate personal characteristics, associated with cigarette and e-cigarette smoking.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey using self-structured questionnaire administered among 470 students from Palestinian universities in three cities: Ramallah, Nablus and Hebron, between February, 2023 to May, 2023. The questionnaire included 31 questions related to the frequency and habits of smoking traditional cigarettes, hookah and e-cigarettes.

Results:  The study involving 401 students with an overall response rate 85% with a mean age of 20.5 and revealed demographic patterns in smoking habits. Gender significantly correlated with smoking, with 80.1% of males and 44.2% of females being smokers. Traditional smoking was higher in males (66.4%), married individuals (53.7%), and those with higher income (> 5000 NIS, 57.1%). Other factors, such as age, social status, residency, type of college, and academic level, showed no significant correlation with smoking E-cigarettes and hookah usage. The highest prevalence was hookah smoking (41.96%), traditional (31,16%) and lowest E- cigarette (26,88%).

Conclusion: Males exhibit higher rates than female, especially in traditional smoking. E-cigarettes were popular due to their ease of use and unique flavors. Urgent action is needed, focusing on awareness campaigns about health risks and exploring associated factors for targeted interventions.

Recommendations: An increase the level of awareness should be enhanced among university students in Palestine about the harmful consequences of different types of smoking on the overall health.