Abstract... 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 Chi-square tests were used for data analysis.
Results: The prevalence of smoking among participants was 25% (n=94). Among smokers, 52% smoked cigarettes, 16% smoked waterpipes, 24% used both cigarettes and waterpipes, and 8% used electronic cigarettes. Smoking prevalence was higher among students aged 21–23 years (30.3%) compared to older students (27.8%). Peer influence was a significant factor, with 63.8% of smokers reporting that their first cigarette was offered by a friend. While 54.3% of smokers viewed smoking as a personal freedom, 80.9% supported smoking bans in universities for public health.
Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of smoking among male university students in Misurata, Libya, with peer influence and early initiation being key determinants. Despite recognizing the health risks of smoking, many students continue to smoke, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. Public health campaigns, stricter enforcement of tobacco control policies, and smoking cessation programs are essential to reduce smoking prevalence and its associated health and economic burdens.