Effect of Religion on the Smoking behavior among Adolescents: A Quantitative Analysis about Smoking Perceptions

Abstract

Smoking causes 5 million deaths every year and is expected to increase to 10 million before we reach the year 2025. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of relifion on smoking behavior and smokers general perceptions about smoking. Moreover, availbaily or information about Islamic fatwa impact towards smoking is also examined. Using simple random sampling, data was collected from 227 university and college stundets. Students were inquired about their perceptions about smoking;  awareness of fatwa for forbidding smoking practice; religion effect on smoking behavior and other related demographic information. The results revealed that starting age of smoking of most of respondents is between 14 and 17 years and mostly are influenced by their friends.  Preffered mode of smoking is cigarette followed by shisha / water paper.  About 84 percent of respondent believe that Islam affects one’s decision to smoke and smoking portrays an act of rebellion and disobedience towards Islam. Further detailed studies about cigarette smoking behavior, following the pattern used for sheesha research. Moreover, studies of the effects of the government’s policies on tobacco marketing on adolescent smoking rates.