Attitude toward Smoking and it's Relation with the Feeling of Loneliness and Social Capital of Students of Medical Sciences in Tabriz, 2019

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Smoking cigarette is a major health problem that specifically affects the youth and adolescent population. The aim of this study was to investigate the attitude toward smoking and its relationship with feelings of loneliness and social capital among medical students in Tabriz. Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted in which 556 students from the faculties of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences were selected by proportional sampling method. Then the questionnaires of attitude toward smoking, loneliness and social capital were completed by students. Finally, 538 questionnaires were entered into SPSS software (version 22) and the data were analyzed by descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and analytical statistics (Pearson test and multivariate linear regression). Conclusions: The mean scores of total attitude toward smoking, loneliness and social capital were 48.64 ± 11.28, 41.42 ± 11.29 and 105.19 ± 19.77, respectively. Also, a negative and significant correlation was found between attitude toward smoking and social capital (r: -0.15 P<0.001), and a positive and significant correlation was found between attitude toward smoking and feeling of loneliness (r: 0/28 P<0.001). Results: The results of the present study showed that students had a negative attitude toward smoking and the level of social capital and loneliness was moderate among students. So it is necessary to implement strategies such as student participation in group activities and strengthening family relationships to promote social capital and reduce feelings of loneliness among students.