Conscientização e consumo de diferentes tipos de fumo entre estudantes universitários da área da saúde

Abstract

Objectives: To characterize the profile of university students at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) regarding consumption and awareness related to cigarettes and other types of tobacco. Methodology: Participants were selected from the population of students regularly enrolled at UFRN, in health courses. Student data was collected through an online form with multiple-choice questions about demographic characteristics, awareness and use of cigarettes and other types of tobacco. A descriptive and bivariate statistical analysis was performed, with a significance level of 5%. Results: Of the 455 participants, the median age was 22 years, 313 (68.79%) were female and 142 male (31.20%), 88 (19.3%) were smokers and 367 (80, 7%) did not smoke. For students who had a smoking habit (n=88), a significant association was observed with those who lived in the urban area of the capital, with income greater than three minimum wages, who were between the 5th and 8th period of the course and who were taking some type of psychological support. It was found that the majority of students reported being aware of the risks of smoking (96.3%), but more than half responded that they had not received guidance at the University regarding the habit, prevention and its health risks (53.7%). Conclusion: The research revealed that electronic cigarettes are the most consumed type of tobacco among university students, followed by marijuana and, finally, conventional cigarettes. The data indicated a significant association between the smoking habit and students with an income greater than 3 minimum wages, residents of the urban area of the capital and who did not receive psychological counseling.