Exploring the Association Between Cigarette Consumption and Health‐Related Quality of Life: Insights From University Students in Bangladesh

Background Cigarette smoking remains a major public health challenge and is increasingly prevalent among young adults in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Although the long‐term health consequences of smoking are well established, its association with the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), especially among university students, is less explored from the perspective of LMICs like Bangladesh. Objective This study aimed to examine the association between daily cigarette consumption and HRQoL among Bangladeshi university students. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 487 university students. HRQoL was assessed using the pre‐validated Bengali version of the SF‐36 scale, with lower scores indicating poorer quality of life. Daily cigarette consumption was categorized as nonsmoker (0), 1–3 cigarettes/day, 4 and 5 cigarettes/day, and ≥6 cigarettes/day. Unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between smoking intensity and HRQoL, controlling for relevant sociodemographic factors. Results A significant association was observed between cigarette consumption and HRQoL. Compared with heavy smokers (≥6 cigarettes/day), nonsmokers had significantly higher HRQoL scores (adjusted β = 22.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.0–27.0, p < 0.001). Participants smoking 1–3 cigarettes/day (adjusted β = 17.0, 95% CI: 11.0–24.0, p < 0.001) and 4–5 cigarettes/day (adjusted β = 12.0, 95% CI: 4.9–18.0, p < 0.001) also demonstrated progressively better HRQoL. The findings indicate worsening HRQoL with increasing smoking intensity. Conclusion Daily cigarette consumption shows a strong and graded inverse association with HRQoL among university students. These results highlight a significant association between the number of cigarettes consumed and the HRQoL among university students, underscoring the importance of early smoking reduction and cessation strategies targeting young adults.