The Faculty of Pharmacy at Amman Arab University (AAU) Publishes a Scientific Study Monitoring Smoking Patterns and Emphasizes the Importance of Strengthening Smoking Cessation Clinics
As part of Amman Arab University’s ongoing efforts to promote public health and community awareness, the university’s Faculty of Pharmacy announced the results of a specialized scientific study examining smoking patterns and the use of e-cigarettes within the university community. The study involved 375 students, as well as academic and administrative staff members.
The study results showed that approximately 40% of participants are classified as smokers. Among them, 53% use e-cigarettes compared to 47% who use traditional cigarettes, indicating a clear rise in the prevalence of modern smoking alternatives among young people. The findings also revealed statistically significant gender differences: males accounted for 66% of smokers, compared to 34% females. The study further demonstrated that smoking behavior is influenced by a complex interplay of cultural, psychological, and social factors. About 62% of participants reported having parents who smoke, while 79% of smokers indicated that their consumption increases during periods of stress and psychological pressure. Additionally, 89% of participants reported being influenced by social media content in shaping their smoking behaviors. On a positive note, 79% of smokers expressed a desire to quit, representing a promising opportunity to develop and activate support programs within the university environment.
In this context, Professor Dr. Rana Abu Huwaij, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Chair of the Higher Committee for Combating Smoking and Drugs at Amman Arab University, and the study’s principal investigator, emphasized that these findings represent an important scientific indicator that calls for the adoption of comprehensive, evidence-based institutional strategies targeting all segments of the university community. She explained that these strategies include launching targeted awareness campaigns, strengthening supportive policies, and providing integrated and effective smoking cessation services. These efforts would contribute to building a healthy university environment and reducing dependence on tobacco and its derivatives.
Dr. Abu Huwaij also noted that the significant increase in the desire to quit smoking represents a real opportunity that should be invested in by developing comprehensive and sustainable programs combining awareness, rehabilitation, and psychological and clinical support. This would directly support the university’s smoking cessation clinic, enhance the success of its programs, and reinforce the university’s leading role in adopting sustainable and effective health initiatives. She stressed that Amman Arab University is continuing to strengthen the integration between scientific research and community service by expanding the scope of smoking cessation clinic services and enhancing partnerships with various university faculties. This would contribute to achieving long-term positive behavioral change and promoting a culture of health awareness both within and beyond the campus, making the university a model to be emulated among Jordanian universities in promoting campus health and reducing smoking.
As part of developing this research work, and with the support of the university administration and the Deanship of Scientific Research, the Higher Committee for Combating Smoking and Drugs aims to expand the study sample in the next phase and include other relevant faculties, such as the Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, the Faculty of Educational and Psychological Sciences, and the Faculty of Sharia, in order to enhance the comprehensiveness of the results and reach a deeper understanding of the behavioral and psychological factors associated with smoking.
