International Journal of Nursing

The Prevalence of Tobacco Products Use among Kuwait Nursing College Students
Florence E. Omu, Rabea Al-Marzouk, Ismael Al-Kandari, Delleshelen Paulraj, Manjushambika Rajagopal,Pamela John

Abstract
Background: Nurses continue to reiterate that their professionals and students who smoke are potential barriers to smoking cessation interventions. Over four decades of numerous evidence based studies, and the debate still continues as to the best prevention and smoking cessation interventions for nursing professionals and students. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of tobacco use among students in College of Nursing, Kuwait and evaluate the best tobacco cessation intervention. Method: This was a cross sectional survey of 253 (82 males and 171 females) students using 50-item self-administered questionnaire in Arabic. Also, 25 faculty members were interviewed. Results: The prevalence of cigarette and shisha smoking were 18.2%, and 24.9% among male and female students respectively. Seventy seven percent male and 76% female smokers claimed they were initiated into tobacco use from an early age. College of Nursing curriculum adequately covers hazards of tobacco products and quitting interventions and was confirmed by 93% female and 80.8% male participants. Conclusion: Study hypothesis was confirmed. Despite adequate information and training, students still smoke tobacco, because of early age initiation by family and friends as a way of socializing. Recommendations: Dangers of cigarette and shisha smoking should be introduced in primary schools. Nursing institutions should have smoking cessation clinics on campus and offer student nurses who are active smokers, help to cease smoking. Directions for future research should include cultural aspect of shisha smoking and genetic links of nicotine addiction.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijn.v2n2a15