Smoking Behavior Among College Students: A Survey

Despite reductions in rates of tobacco use in recent years, smoking remains an important public health concern. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of death in the United States, and regular smoking is usually established in early adulthood. Previous research shows that factors including risk perception, peer behavior, and participation in other risky behaviors correlate significantly with college students’ smoking. This study aimed to describe cigarette-smoking behavior among undergraduate students at Baylor University by issuing an online survey via email. Current cigarette smokers were defined as having smoked ≥100 cigarettes during their lifetime and now smoke every day or some days; 5.3% of Baylor undergraduates were current smokers. Survey questions examined basic demographics and smoking history, student perception of smoking-related health risks, and use of other tobacco products. Relationships between smoking, peer smoking, alcohol consumption practices, and stress level were analyzed and compared, where possible, with national data.