Me Riahi, A Aliverdinia, Mr Soleimani,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2009)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Cigarette smoking is the one of unhealthy behaviors in human societies which it’s over increasing prevalence, particularly among students, has produced many concerns. The present study seeks to describe the scale of cigarette smoking attitude (CSA) and its correlation with social determinants among high school students in the Ghaemshahr city.
Methods: This cross-sectional study is conducted via survey method and data has been collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The subjects of the study were 400 third-grade students of Ghaemshahr city’s high schools who have been selected randomly on the basis of proportional stratified random sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire with 32-items including cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of CSA applied.
Results: 82.6 percent of students reported negative CSA (anti-smoking), while 5.6 percent of them declared positive CSA. Descriptive results showed that students’ awareness about negative effects of cigarette smoking was relatively low and insufficient. Furthermore, the results of the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that there were significant correlations between having positive CSA and subject of the study in high school, level of father’s education, social class of the family, and especially having smoker friends and parents.
Conclusions: It is concluded that students had low awareness and information about negative effects of cigarette smoking therefore more educational interventions should be implemented in high schools to increases the awareness and change their attitudes, Moreover, it should be emphasized that social environment, especially family and peer group (friends), play vital role in the formation of positive CSA and finally cigarette smoking.
Maryam Zamanian, Rahmatollah Moradzadeh,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Indirect methods for estimating hidden populations are essential. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of cigarette and waterpipe consumption in the Arak metropolis, Iran, directly and indirectly through network scale-up.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,604 participants. Daily and weekly cigarette and waterpipe consumption data were collected to measure the prevalence directly. The indirect network scale-up method was used to estimate the size of cigarette and hookah smokers. A confidence interval of 95% was considered.
Results: About 49.9% of the participants were men. The average age of men was 39.8 and women 38.7 years. In the direct method, the prevalence of smoking at least one cigarette per day during the last year in women and men was 1.8% (1.0-3.0) and 38.3% (34.9-41.9), respectively. The prevalence of using waterpipe at least once a day during the last year was as much as 0.9% (0.03-1.8) and 4.1% (2.8-5.7) for women and men. In the indirect method of network scale-up during the last year, the prevalence of continuous smoking was 4.8% (4.3-5.0) in women and 19.7% (19.6-19.9) in men. The prevalence of waterpipe in women was calculated at 7.8% (7.8-8.0) and 9.8% (9.7-9.9) in men.
Conclusion: Based on the results, the prevalence of waterpipe and cigarette smoking was high in the Arak, especially among young people. It is suggested to the health system policymakers to pay attention to measures related to reducing the prevalence of these two risk factors, especially among young people, in their health plans.
Ali-Asghar Honarmand, Seyed Aria Nejadghaderi, Aliakbar Haghdoost,
Volume 20, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Electronic cigarettes are devices that heat liquids containing nicotine and chemicals to produce aerosols that can be inhaled. Although these products have been marketed as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, there is evidence indicating that their use also carries specific risks. Advertising and the influence of social media, particularly among young individuals, have led to increased consumption of these cigarettes and serious concerns. This study aimed to examine the benefits and drawbacks of electronic cigarettes.
Methods: In this narrative review, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched in a non-systematic manner using relevant keywords to identify studies related to the health effects, history, evolution, and cost-effectiveness of electronic cigarettes.
Results: Electronic cigarettes entered the market for the first time in 2003 and quickly gained popularity among consumers. These cigarettes were marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes; however, they contain various chemicals, some of which decompose when heated, producing toxic compounds. Electronic cigarettes can have multiple impacts on health, including cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, and the potential risk of cancer.
Conclusion: Electronic cigarettes may assist in smoking cessation in some cases, but significant drawbacks accompany these benefits. Given the potential risks, there is a need for further research to comprehensively assess their effects on health for a more informed understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of these products.