Perceived factors related to cigarette and waterpipe (ghelyan) initiation and maintenance in university students of Iran

Objectives To investigate the perceived factors leading to cigarette and waterpipe (ghelyan) smoking initiation and maintenance in Iranian university students. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted on 233 students aged 20–25 enrolled in Isfahan University and Kashan University in 2007. Demographic factors as well as cigarette and ghelyan status, and perceived factors related to cigarette or ghelyan smoking initiation and maintenance were recorded. Principal component analysis was carried out to cluster perceived smoking initiation and maintenance factors. Result In a multiple logistic regression model, perceived psychological factors were more significant to cigarette smoking initiation and maintenance than ghelyan smoking among girls (odds ratio, OR = 1.90; P