The prevalence of cigarette smoking and its correlates of depressive and anxiety symptoms among university students in Central Serbia

摘要

The cigarette smoking of younger population has been an issue of growing concern globally, since young people already face various life situations which can enhance the occurrence of depression and anxiety disorders. Aim and objective. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of cigarette smoking and its correlates of depressive and anxiety symptoms in university students population. Methods. The study was conducted as cross sectional study of average on the sample of 1940 university students by using a self-assessment standardized questionnaire of World Health Organization. The survey, in addition to questions concerning the cigarette smoking habits in youth, also includes the Beck Depression inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results. Based on the results of this study, the prevalence of cigarette smoking in students population is about 18%. The depressive symptoms were significantly related to the cigarette smoking (p<0,005). Prevalence of depressive symptoms of cigarette smoking students is 23.5%. In terms of anxiety symptoms, there were significantly related to cigarette smoking (p=0,002). Prevalence of anxiety symptoms of cigarette smoking students is 41.2%. Conclusion. This is one of the largest study examining smoking habits and its correlates of depressive and anxiety symptoms in a sample of university students in Serbia. The results obtained through this study indicate the importance of cigarette smoking prevention among university students can be essential for the mental health promotion and prevention of mental disorders.