Interpersonal factors as correlates of cigarette smoking behaviour among undergraduates in a Nigerian university

Abstract

This investigation arose out of the concern that despite recognition given to cigarette smoking as a major global contributor to hazardous deaths, more young persons including undergraduate students are becoming involved with this practice that is detrimental to health. Without an extensive understanding of factors that causes and mediates the preponderance of smoking behavior, developing appropriate and effective interventions to prevent and manage its occurrences would be futile. Hence, this study employed the descriptive survey design to investigate the influence of some interpersonal factors (gender, peer influence, neighborhood influence and media) on the cigarette smoking behaviour of undergraduates in the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Using stratified random sampling, four hundred currently registered undergraduates were selected from five faculties. Four valid and standardized instruments were used to collect data in this study. Multiple regression analysis is the major statistical tool in this study. Peer influence, mass media, gender and neighbourhood influence reported collective and relative contributions to the prediction of smoking behaviour of the participants. The four variables accounted for 42% of the total variance of smoking behaviour of the participants with peer influence being the most potent. It is recommended that school- based programmes such as orientation and seminars should emphasize anti-smoking information behaviour. Method of receiving anti-smoking information such as the television, radio, magazines and school-based learning should be enhanced.