Muammer YILMAZ, Muhammet Ali BÖLÜKBAŞ, Ömer Faruk TEKİN, Muhammed Furkan DEMİR, Özgün SOY, Çağdaş SERTKAYA, İnci ARIKAN
Addicta The Turkish Journal On Addictions - 2026;13(2):158-166
University students may begin using substances like tobacco, alcohol, and drugs due to individual and environmental factors, such as stress, academic pressures, and increased responsibilities. Given the public health relevance of this issue and the fact that this is the first study of its kind in Kütahya, this study investigates the prevalence of tobacco, alcohol, and substance use among university students and associated factors. The sample size was calculated as 1,008 based on a 95% confidence level, a prevalence rate of 7.8%, and a margin of error of 1.5%. The study was completed with 1,043 participants. Results showed that 23.5% of participants smoked, while 20.9% consumed alcohol. The primary reason for starting smoking was alcohol consumption, and peer influence was the second most common reason for initiating alcohol use. A statistically significant difference was found between genders regarding smoking (p=0.030), with smoking being more common among males. A significant association was also observed between family alcohol consumption and alcohol use (p<0.001), with participants whose families consumed alcohol showing higher alcohol use rates. Although smoking was more prevalent among men (28.3%), it is noteworthy that a substantial proportion of women also smoked (21.8%). The family plays a critical role as a model, influencing individual behavior. Campus activities addressing addiction could strengthen social relationships and contribute to addiction prevention.
