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Examine the relationship between mental health factors and smoking behavior in university students.

March 21, 2026Open Access

Can depression, anxiety and stress predict smoking? An analysis of mental health correlates university young adults in Saudi Arabia

Key Points

Examine the relationship between mental health factors and smoking behavior in university students.
Conducted a cross-sectional survey of 655 university students aged 18-26 years
Used validated depression, anxiety, and stress scales to assess mental health
Applied logistic regression to evaluate associations between mental health and smoking status
Anxiety significantly predicted smoking habits (OR: 1.16)
Stress was inversely associated with smoking (OR: 0.94)
No significant association was found between depression and smoking
Male gender and unemployment were also identified as predictors of smoking

Abstract

A BSTRACT Background: Smoking remains prevalent among young university students in Saudi Arabia, with psychological factors potentially influencing tobacco use. Method: This cross-sectional study surveyed 655 university students aged 18-26 years using validated depression, anxiety and stress scale. Logistic regression assessed the association between mental health and smoking status. Results: Anxiety has significantly predicted smoking (OR: 1.16), while stress was inversely associated (OR: 0.94). Depression showed no significant association. Male gender and unemployment were additional predictors of smoking. Conclusion: Anxiety plays a key role in smoking among university students. Interventions should prioritize anxiety management in order to control smoking prevalence in this population.

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