CHINTA Research Bangladesh, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
PLoS One. 2024 Aug 22;19(8):e0308697. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308697. eCollection 2024.
Numerous studies have examined substance use and smoking behavior among adolescents and university students. However, little is known about these behaviors among students undergoing university entrance tests, a critical transition period from adolescence to adulthood. The entrance test can significantly affect students' mental health, potentially leading to substance use. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of cigarette smoking and substance use among students taking these exams and the associated factors.
A cross-sectional survey was carried out on September 4th and 11th, 2022 to collect data from 1,480 university entrance test-taking students using a convenience sampling technique. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were conducted using SPSS software. Besides, GIS mapping was used to visualize the distribution of substance use and smoking behavior across districts via ArcGIS.
The study found a 10% prevalence of current tobacco smoking and 4% substance use. Females (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.38-2.85), urban residence (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.42-2.88), repeater (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.02-2.06), anxiety (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.10-2.19), burnout (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.00-2.12), and suicidal behavior (OR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.03-2.40) were the significant factors for cigarette use. Whereas the urban residence (OR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.11-3.31), anxiety (OR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.45-4.20), and suicidal behavior (OR = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.55-4.92) significantly increased the risk of substance use. GIS analysis revealed males varied in substance use and females in tobacco smoking by district. Repeat test-takers were associated with district variations in both smoking and substance use.
Educational institutions, public health authorities, and policymakers must implement mental health support and substance use prevention programs for students. Integrating mental health education, providing resources, and enforcing regulations can promote healthier coping strategies and reduce substance use risks among students.
许多研究都考察了青少年和大学生的物质使用和吸烟行为。然而，对于正在参加大学入学考试的学生，即从青春期向成年期过渡的关键时期，人们对此类行为知之甚少。入学考试会显著影响学生的心理健康，可能导致物质使用。本研究旨在调查参加这些考试的学生中香烟吸烟和物质使用的流行率，以及相关因素。
本研究于 2022 年 9 月 4 日和 9 月 11 日采用便利抽样技术对 1480 名参加大学入学考试的学生进行了横断面调查。采用卡方检验和 logistic 回归分析，运用 SPSS 软件进行数据分析。此外，还运用 GIS 制图技术通过 ArcGIS 可视化物质使用和吸烟行为在各区的分布。
研究发现，当前吸烟率为 10%，物质使用率为 4%。女性（OR = 1.98；95% CI：1.38-2.85）、城市居住（OR = 2.03；95% CI：1.42-2.88）、复读生（OR = 1.45；95% CI：1.02-2.06）、焦虑（OR = 1.55，95% CI：1.10-2.19）、倦怠（OR = 1.51，95% CI：1.00-2.12）和自杀行为（OR = 1.57；95% CI：1.03-2.40）是吸烟的显著因素。而城市居住（OR = 1.91；95% CI：1.11-3.31）、焦虑（OR = 2.47，95% CI：1.45-4.20）和自杀行为（OR = 2.76；95% CI：1.55-4.92）显著增加了物质使用的风险。GIS 分析显示，男性在物质使用方面存在差异，女性在吸烟方面存在差异。复读生在吸烟和物质使用方面与地区差异有关。
教育机构、公共卫生当局和政策制定者必须为学生实施心理健康支持和物质使用预防计划。整合心理健康教育、提供资源和执行法规可以促进更健康的应对策略，并降低学生的物质使用风险。
