Factors Associated with Male Health Professions Students' Smoking in Inner Mongolia

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we describe the smoking patterns of male health professions students in Inner Mongolia, China, and identify factors associated with smoking status. Methods: First- to fourth-year male health professions students (N = 1074) in Inner Mongolia Medical University were interviewed in 2017 regarding their smoking pattern and exposures potentially influencing their smoking status (current-, ex- or never-smoker). We used logistic regression to identify exposures potentially influencing their smoking status. Results: Overall, one-third were current-smokers, among whom three-fifths had moderate or high nicotine dependence. The relative probability of being a current smoker was higher with exposure to a smoking mother, being unsure of the parents' acceptance of their smoking, and witnessing teachers smoking; it was lower with better knowledge of smoking-related harm and better smoking-related risk perception. Knowledge of smoking-related harm and risk perception may have a greater impact on smoking behavior than exposure to others' smoking. Conclusion: Promoting knowledge and risk perception related to smoking, and stricter enforcement of the smoke-free policy on campus may be feasible ways to reduce smoking among male health professions students who are future practitioners.