Alarming Increments of Tobacco and Related Substance Use among College and University Students in Ethiopia: Review

Abstract

The use of substances such as tobacco, alcohol, khat, and other substances has become one of the rising public health and socioeconomic problems worldwide. Onset of smoking and alcohol drinking during early adulthood is a well-documented and significant public health risk factor and is linked to a high risk of chronic diseases at older age. Tobacco is leading cause of death, illness and impoverishment worldwide. The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing nearly six million people a year. Substance misuse/abuse is a growing problem in Ethiopia, as in many developing countries. Alcohol and khat are the most frequent substances of abuse. Studies indicate that substance use among Ethiopian adolescents is considerably rising. Of the young segment of the Ethiopian population, college and university students are at the highest risk of substance use. Tobacco causes several types of cancers and systemic diseases at large the lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases. In Ethiopian universities and colleges, a critical intervention is needed either pre-university or at university stay period of the students. Pre-university training that encompasses a detailed medical aspects and social problems of smoking might have long-term contribution, as the student will be also expertise after they graduate and come back to the community.

Keywords: Tobacco, alcohol, chat, university students

Cite this Article

Aman Mehari Abraha. Alarming Increments of Tobacco and Related Substance Use among College and University Students in Ethiopia: Review. Research & Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology. 2016; 5(3): 1–7p.