Tobacco use has been long recognized as a distinct health-related problem causing millions of deaths worldwide. China has not only the largest population in the world but also the highest number of tobacco deaths each year. Further, its smoking population is continually growing. These facts urge us to study the varied aspects of Chinese smoking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding tobacco use among Chinese college students. The study utilized a questionnaire that was developed by a panel of experts who adopted and modified existing questionnaires originally developed in the USA. A Chinese version of the final questionnaire was approved by bilingual scholars. A pilot study among Chinese students was conducted before the formal survey. Participants in the survey were selected from students at a large southeast China university. Among 1700 sampled students, 1534 (90.2%) returned usable surveys. Descriptive statistics, t-test, and Chi-square tests were utilized in data analysis. Findings include 71.1% of male and 14.5% of female students were lifetime cigarette smokers. One-third started smoking at 13 or younger, and 65.4% never tried to quit smoking. About 16% had also tried other tobacco products. Female students seemed more knowledgeable about tobacco and health risks, and had a more positive attitude toward tobacco nonuse. Knowledge, attitude and the use of tobacco among different demographic groups were also analyzed. These findings would provide information for tobacco cessation program planning and evaluation in China.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. describe the similarities and differences of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding tobacco use between American and Chinese college students; 2. discuss the global issue of tobacco use; 3. apply this information to the development of drug use prevention and education programs
Keywords: College Students, Tobacco
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.