The objective of the study was to understand the smoking behaviour of adults and how societal perceptions influence the smoking behaviour of university students.

Qualitative study.

National Institute of Medical Sciences university, India.

20 face-to-face interviews were carried out among university students who were in the age group of 19–30 years using a combination of purposive sampling, followed by snowball sampling methods.

Qualitative responses revealed that stress, cravings for cigarettes and mealtimes were key triggers for smoking behaviour. Many participants felt guilty about their smoking and often became irritated by advice from non-smoking friends. All participants had experienced negative health effects, including physical and sensory issues, as well as other adverse experiences. Students expressed a dislike for judgemental attitudes from society. They respected elders and found it difficult to smoke in front of them. Rather than being blamed for their smoking, they preferred supportive assistance to help them quit.

The study highlights the importance of understanding college students’ smoking behaviour, as it greatly influences their smoking habits. Cessation efforts should target this group and emphasise the negative experiences associated with smoking. Additionally, students recommend creating a non-judgemental and supportive environment to aid in quitting, rather than a judgemental and blaming society.