Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Smoking among University Students of Allied Health Sciences in Japan

A study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of cigarette smoking among freshman students of Tokyo Metropolitan University of Health Sciences. Students were categorized as 'ever-smoker' or 'nonsmoker'. 18.3% of the 356 subjects were categorized as 'ever-smoker'. The two categories were then compared to determine significant differences in health knowledge, attitudes towards health and smoking, smoking perceptions and preferences, knowledge on the economic impact of tobacco and attitudes towards tobacco control measures. In most cases, significant differences were found between the two groups. However, concerning knowledge on the economic impact of tobacco, the majority of both ever-smokers and non-smokers had poor knowledge. Increased tobacco control education and related efforts are needed as is further research in determining the factors or influences that shape the significant differences found. Such information will be invaluable in formulating appropriate tobacco control measures for the future.