Perceptions, attitudes and knowledges of male undergraduate students towards tobacco use in UiTM Shah Alam, Malaysia / Mohamad Soliheen Mohd Zaki

This study was set out to investigate current perception, attitude and knowledge towards smoking among male youths studying in Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, Malaysia. Cross-sectional descriptive design and convenience survey methods were used. The sample consisted of 203 students between the ages of 19 to 27 years who completed the questionnaires. Perception, attitude and knowledge towards smoking were assessed with a modification of questions from Global Health Professions Students Survey (GHPSS) questionnaire. Overall, the perception of students from health based faculty and non-health based faculty towards smoking is more towards the negative aspects such as smoking leaves an unpleasant smell (86. 7% ), smoking gives one bad breath (86.7%) and smoking is bad for one's skin (70.0% ). There are positive responses for their knowledge towards smoking associated disease and attitude regarding the idea of smoking banned and health professional impacts. Their awareness on the behavioral, pharmacologic and other related intervention need to be improved for example the effectiveness of each intervention in aiding smoking cessation. Although the study sample has geographic limitations, future national studies with similar populations of youth in Malaysia will help government and non-government agencies to understand youths' perceptions, attitude and knowledge as a turning point to promote smoke-free environment and producing better quality of life among Malaysian society. Intervention strategies from all members of community especially adolescent are needed to distribute their contribution of knowledge about the harmful effects of smoking.