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Assessing Smoking Habits, Attitudes, Knowledge, and Needs among University Students at the University of Milan, Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Laura Campo

    (EPIGET—Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy)

  • Silvia Lumia

    (EPIGET—Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy)

  • Silvia Fustinoni

    (EPIGET—Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
    Environmental and Industrial Toxicology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy)

Abstract

Background: College campuses and universities are valuable settings for smoking prevention programs targeting young adults. Aim: To investigate smoking habits, electronic cigarette (e-cig) and heated tobacco product (HTP) use, exposure to passive smoke, compliance with smoking bans on campus, attitudes toward the anti-smoking policies, and educational needs among students at the University of Milan, Italy. Methods: A validated questionnaire was web-submitted to 64,801 students in the period May–July 2021. For each item, the frequency was calculated and χ 2 test with Bonferroni correction was used to compare differences among the 10 faculties of the University. Results: 7162 students participated in the survey, while 6605 questionnaires were included in this report (62% female, 84% aged 18–25 years). Sixty-four percent of participants were never smokers, 19% were smokers, 2.8% were e-cig or HTP users, 3.7% were dual smokers, 10% were former smokers, and 66% reported routinely spending free time with smokers. Almost all students were aware of the dangers of active and passive smoking of cigarettes, while about 20% did not have an opinion on the dangers of e-cigs/HTPs. Only 49% were aware of the smoking ban in the outdoor areas of the university. Students from the faculties of Law and Political, Economic, and Social Sciences smoked more frequently and were more frequently exposed to passive smoke than other students. Medicine students were the most aware of the dangers of passive smoking and using e-cigs/HTPs. Conclusions: This is the first study in Italy involving the entire student population of a university and highlighting differences among faculties in terms of active and passive smoking and opinions. The results suggest that prevention campaigns addressed to students should consider their specific study curricula and give information tailored to the different educational needs to efficiently support health promotion.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Campo & Silvia Lumia & Silvia Fustinoni, 2022. "Assessing Smoking Habits, Attitudes, Knowledge, and Needs among University Students at the University of Milan, Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12527-:d:930994
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Laura Campo & Francesca Vecera & Silvia Fustinoni, 2021. "Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess Smoking Habits, Attitudes, Knowledge, and Needs among University Students: A Pilot Study among Obstetrics Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-13, November.
    2. Ling, P.M. & Glantz, S.A., 2002. "Why and how the tobacco industry sells cigarettes to young adults: Evidence from industry documents," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(6), pages 908-916.
    3. Elpidio Maria Garzillo & Maria Grazia Lourdes Monaco & Anna Rita Corvino & Alessia Giardiello & Antonio Arnese & Francesco Napolitano & Gabriella Di Giuseppe & Monica Lamberti, 2022. "Smoking Habits and Workplace Health Promotion among University Students in Southern Italy: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Investigation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-12, August.
    4. Ewa Rodakowska & Marta Mazur & Joanna Baginska & Teresa Sierpinska & Giuseppe La Torre & Livia Ottolenghi & Valeria D'Egidio & Fabrizio Guerra, 2020. "Smoking Prevalence, Attitudes and Behavior among Dental Students in Poland and Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-12, October.
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