Dietary Habits of Smokers and Non-Smokers among a Few Male University Students Residing in the Gyeongnam Area and Factors Affecting Their Smoking Behavior
The purpose of this study was to investigate the dietary habits of smokers and non-smokers among a few male university students residing in Changwon-si and factors that affect their smoking behavior. A self-administered questionnaire was conducted for a duration of one month in June 2015 (n=367). The results of this study showed that the breakfast skipping rate of the smoking group was significantly higher compared to the non-smoking group (p<0.001), and the smoking rate was significantly higher among those with more serious smoking problems (p<0.001). Compared to the non-smoking group, the smoking group showed significantly higher BMI (body mass index) (p<0.05) and demonstrated significant drinking habit of more liquid type yogurt among milk and dairy products and significantly more coffee mixes among fat, oils, and sugars (p<0.05). The results of multiple regression analysis showed the necessity to prepare smoking systems in school (t=-2.87, p<0.05), encumbrances to studies due to smoking (t=-3.59, p<0.001), and variables that affect smoking such as the number of close friends who smoke (t=4.17, p<0.001), BMI (t=3.08, p<0.05), and the level of problematic drinking (t=3.67, p<0.001). The results of this study suggest factors that must be considered in establishing smoking prevention education programs, anti-smoking policies, and strategies for university students.