Smoking Prevalence and Associated Factors Among Male Students at Misurata University, Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Hussien A. Elaswdi
Maha M. Alzergany
Background: Tobacco smoking is a significant global public health issue, contributing to millions of deaths annually. University students are particularly vulnerable to smoking initiation due to sociocultural influences and the perception of smoking as a symbol of adulthood. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of smoking among male students at Misurata University and explore associated determinants such as socio-economic status, peer influence, and smoking-related attitudes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Misurata University between November and December 2024. A total of 400 male students aged 18 years and older were recruited using systematic random sampling, with 376 completing the questionnaire (94% response rate). Data were collected via a self-administered online questionnaire, adapted from validated instruments and translated into Arabic. Smoking status was defined according to WHO criteria. Descriptive statistics and .