The prevalence of smoking among Iranian students is a significant public health concern, with an overall rate of approximately 13.56% among college and high school students. College students exhibit a higher smoking rate of 15.62% compared to high school students, who have a rate of 9.77% (1). Specific groups, such as medical students, report even higher rates at 19.2% (2), while approximately 7.8% of university students engage in non-daily smoking (3) (Table 1). This variation highlights the need for targeted public health initiatives to address the rising tobacco use among Iranian youth and to understand the underlying factors contributing to this trend. The issue of smoking among students is a complex public health concern influenced by multiple factors. Understanding how demographics, social influences, and behavioral factors interact is crucial for effectively addressing this challenge. Research indicates that these elements significantly impact students’ smoking behaviors, influencing their decisions to start or continue smoking.
Demographic factors significantly influence smoking behavior among Iranian students, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions. Research indicates that variables such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status play critical roles (2-4). For instance, the prevalence of smoking is notably higher among male students (33%) compared to female students (11%), with urban areas exhibiting greater rates than rural ones (5). Social influences, particularly peer pressure and a family history of smoking, also contribute significantly to smoking behavior. A study revealed that 51% of high school students had tried smoking, with friends being the primary influence (6). Geographic location is another critical factor affecting smoking prevalence; urban areas typically show higher rates than their rural communities. For example, students in northern Iran have significantly higher smoking rates compared to those in other regions (4).