This paper approaches the prevalence of tobacco consumption in the
university population of the University Miguel Hernandez, with the aim
of starting up tobacco prevention and treatment programs. The analyzed
groups belong to a sample (n = 660) that represents students, administrative
staff, and researchers and teachers. Data was gathered during the
year 2003, using a self-administered questionnaire.
The results indicate that the smoking population of this university
corresponds with the general population of the Valencian Community.
Significant differences clearly appear regarding with the gender variable,
women consume more tobacco than men, despite the national surveys
results. The highest consuming rates are located between the 20 and 30
years old in men, and between 40 and 50 in women. It could be highlighted
that the average consumption of daily cigarettes of the smokers
is significantly different from the national level average, being in our
sample very high.