A QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION OF TOBACCO USE AMONG ARAB UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN WALES

Abstract

AIMS - The main aim of the study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the perspective of tobacco use among Arab students studying in Wales. The following objectives were tackled to achieve this aim: (a) To explore tobacco use practices among Arab students in Wales, (b) to understand their motives for tobacco use, and (c) Their perceptions of the role of cultural and socio-economic factors related to their tobacco usage. METHODOLOGY- 9 qualitative semi structured interviews were conducted with Arab students who came from Arab countries and were completing their higher studies in a university in Wales. The sample consisted of 7 males and 2 females who were aged between 18 and 35 years. RESULTS - The main themes identified through the semi-structured interviews were (a) growing up in a culture where smoking is normalized, (b) attitudes towards tobacco use, and (c) adapting to the UK context. The key reasons behind the initiation of smoking were peer pressure, cultural background, family influence and curiosity. All the participants were aware of the ill effects of smoking but continued smoking despite considering it a bad habit. CONCLUSION – Overall, this study has highlighted the main reasons why Arab students engage in smoking practices in Wales. Suggestions to reduce smoking were made by the participants themselves. All the findings and suggestions should be used to address the present issues regarding smoking.