Khaberni - In the context of the ongoing efforts of Arab Oman University to enhance public health and community awareness, the College of Pharmacy at the university announced the results of a specialized scientific study that addressed smoking patterns and the use of electronic cigarettes within the university community, with the participation of (375) students and members of the teaching and administrative staff.
The study results showed that about (40%) of the participants are classified as smokers, with (53%) of the smokers using electronic cigarettes as opposed to (47%) using traditional cigarettes, clearly indicating the growing spread of modern smoking alternatives among the youth. The results also revealed statistically significant differences between genders, as the percentage of male smokers reached (66%) compared to (34%) of females. The study indicated that smoking behavior is affected by a complex set of cultural, psychological, and social factors, as (62%) of the participants reported having smoking parents, and (79%) of the smokers mentioned an increase in their consumption during periods of stress and psychological pressure. Additionally, the results showed that (89%) of the participants are influenced by social media content in shaping smoking behaviors, and on a positive note, (79%) of the smokers expressed their desire to quit smoking, representing a promising opportunity to develop and activate support programs within the university environment.
In this regard, Professor Dr. Rana Abu Haweij, Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Chair of the High Committee for the Prevention of Smoking and Drugs at Arab Oman University and the main researcher of the study, confirmed that these results represent a significant scientific indicator that calls for adopting comprehensive institutional strategies based on scientific evidence, targeting various categories of the university community. She explained that these strategies include launching targeted awareness campaigns, enhancing supportive policies, and providing comprehensive and effective smoking cessation services, contributing to building a healthy university environment and reducing reliance on tobacco and its derivatives. Dr. Abu Haweij also noted that the noticeable increase in the desire to quit smoking represents a real opportunity that should be capitalized on through developing integrated and sustainable programs that combine awareness, rehabilitation, and psychological and clinical support, which directly supports the efforts of the smoking cessation clinic in the university and enhances the chances of success of its programs, and affirming at the same time the university's leading role in adopting sustainable and effective health initiatives. She emphasized that Arab Oman University is continuing to enhance the integration of scientific research and community service, through expanding the services of the smoking cessation clinic and enhancing partnerships with various university faculties, which contributes to creating a positive long-term behavioral change and establishing a conscious healthy culture inside and outside the campus, making Arab Oman University a model to be emulated among Jordanian universities in enhancing university health and reducing smoking.
In the framework of developing this research work and with support from the management of Arab Oman University and the Dean of Scientific Research, the High Committee for the Prevention of Smoking and Drugs seeks to expand the study sample in the next phase and integrate other related faculties, such as the College of Applied Medical Sciences, the College of Educational and Psychological Sciences, and the College of Sharia, with the aim of enhancing the comprehensiveness of the results and achieving a deeper understanding of the behavioral and psychological factors associated with smoking.
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