Nicotine dependence and its associated factors, among students from Public Health Colleges in Sudanese Universities

Objective: This study assesses nicotine dependence and its related factors among students enrolled in Public Health Colleges at Sudanese Universities. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sudan at Sudanese Universities between March 2023 and September 2023. 1960 students were surveyed to identify tobacco users. Among them, 694 students who reported tobacco use were included in the study and answered additional questions. Tools of data collection: Data was collected by a modified questionnaire derived from the Fagrstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Results: The study found that 46.1% of respondents are under 23 years old, with an average age of 20.68 years. About 35.7% come from high-income families. Academic performance is strong, with 56.8% of students earning "Good" or "Very Good" grades; 35.4% of participants use tobacco, starting at an average age of 15.65 years. Support for government tobacco regulations is strong, with 41.1% slightly agreeing and 23.5% fully agreeing. Nicotine dependence levels vary, with 7.9% showing Low Dependence, 18.0% Low to Moderate Dependence, 47.4% Moderate Dependence, and 26.7% High Dependence. Differences in smoking perceptions and behaviors exist among different groups, while opinions on relatives' tobacco use are consistent. Conclusion and recommendations: Enhance tobacco education in universities to increase awareness of smoking risks and addiction. Enforce stricter regulations to limit youth access to tobacco products through higher taxes, advertising restrictions, and public health campaigns. Tailor cessation programs to address varying levels of nicotine dependence. Involve families and communities in anti-smoking initiatives to promote smoke-free environments. Conduct ongoing research on tobacco use trends among young adults and assess the effectiveness of policies and educational initiatives.