“Prevalence and socio-demographic predictors of smoking, e-cigarette use, and nicotine dependence among college students in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh: A cross-sectional study”
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objectives To estimate the prevalence of smoking, with a focus on e-cigarette use and nicotine dependence, among college-going students in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, it identified socio-demographic predictors of smoking, e-cigarette use, and nicotine dependence. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students from seven randomly selected colleges in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, between January 2023 and June 2024. A multi-stage sampling method was used to recruit 694 participants. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire. Risk was assessed by adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI). Nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Scale. Results The mean age of participants was 21.6 years (SD 2.3), with 39.5 % (95 % CI: 35.8–43.2) reporting any form of smoking in the preceding month. E-cigarette use was reported by 16.4 % (95 % CI: 13.6–19.2), while 31.1 % (95 % CI: 27.6–34.6) engaged in traditional smoking. Male gender (aOR: 7.4), age ≥20 years (aOR: 3.0), higher family income (aOR: 5.5), and family history of smoking (aOR: 319.4) were significant predictors of e-cigarette use. Nicotine dependence was observed in 14.2 % of smokers, with family history of smoking being a major risk factor (OR: 2.5). Conclusion Smoking prevalence, including e-cigarette use, is alarmingly high among college students in Chittoor district. Male students from affluent backgrounds and those with a family history of smoking are at higher risk. Colleges could be potential places for targeted public health interventions to mitigate nicotine dependence and its associated risks among the young populations.
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,000
OpenAlex ID: W4413122117