Health consequences of cigarette smoking among young adults in urban Sudanese communities

Abstract

 Smoking is a greater public health issue for both individuals and society, increasing the burden on personal health and potentially contributing to early mortality. This study aims to investigate the health consequences of cigarette smoking and how it affects young adults’ health. A descriptive quantitative study was conducted at Alfajr College for Science and Technology in Khartoum, Urban Sudan. It included both genders between the ages of 16 and 35, both smokers and non-smokers, who voluntarily participated. The sample size was drawn from 611 medical students across five educational levels. The data were collected using a standardized self-administered questionnaire, which included four sections: personal data and questions about participant complaints. Data were analyzed using computer software. The study enrolled 243 participants, with 66.70% male and 33.30% female; 63.0% were in the 18–20 age range, while 37% of those in the other group were between 27 and 35 years, with most likely being in the third year (24.70%). The prevalence of active smoking is 18.10%, and passive smoking is 47.30%, while 72.0% of smokers had smoked for less than ten years and less than ten cigarettes per day. Most smoking participants (95.5%) did not seek medical evaluation or undergo chest X-rays to assess their health. Smoking participants reported 43.20% respiratory problems, 29.5% dental problems, 18.20% yellow discoloration of teeth and nails, 15.90% recurring infections, 13.60% eye problems, and other issues accounted for 20.50%. Other manifestations included coughing (50%), anorexia (40.70%), weight loss (40.90%), dyspnea (29.5%), headaches (18.20%), fatigue (25.0%), and other symptoms (2.30%). The occurrence of psychological problems was 43.20% nervousness, 29.5% anxiety, and 13.6% depression. The study concluded that cigarette smoking is prevalent among young adults in urban Sudan and is associated with several health problems, including respiratory, mental, nutritional, and cardiovascular diseases, affecting university students. Prevention and cessation efforts are crucial to mitigating harm.