Motivation for smoking in male college students in Kuwait

Abstract

This article addresses the factors that motivate male students to smoke. A qualitative study was conducted among 60 student smokers at College of Education, Kuwait University. The findings indicated that several factors motivate students to smoke, such as family members, friends and classmates who smoke. Students indicated that smoking reduces stress, anxiety and depression, especially regarding academic issues. Several recommendations are made to enhance smoking-related health promotion initiatives on campus, such as holding periodic seminars and lectures and providing students with counselling to overcome their addiction to tobacco. In addition, anti-smoking policies should be enforced with sanctions to reduce smoking prevalence on campus. Health organizations on- and off-campus should educate college students about health and smoking.

Keywords:

• student smokers
• smoking diseases
• health education
• health promotion