Background: The prevalence of smoking and contributing factors among Iranian university students has been paid littleattention.Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of smoking in Iranian university students and its associationwith health-related behaviours.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 82 806 Iranian university students admitted in 2012–2013. Information on demographic characteristics and health-related behaviours, including physical activity, sleep pat-tern, use of electronic devices and dietary habits, were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Weight and heightwere measured using a standard protocol and body mass index calculated. Smokers were defined as students who smoked≥ 1 cigarette per week.Results: Smoking was prevalent among 6.0% of university students (males 6.6%, females 5.6%). Moderate physical activ-ity was inversely associated with odds of smoking. A significant positive association was also found between obesity andodds of being a smoker. Higher intake of fruits and dairy products were associated with lower odds of smoking. However,intake of vegetables, fast foods and carbonated beverages was positively associated with smoking. Breakfast consump-tion was also associated with greater odds of being a smoker.Conclusions: Demographic characteristics and health-related behaviours, including marital status, occupation, econom-ic status, sleep pattern, physical activity, use of electronic devices and dietary intake, were significantly associated withsmoking.
Prevalence of smoking and its association with health-related behaviours among Iranian university students: a large-scale study
