The Role of Perceived Social Competence on Cigarette and Alcohol Usage among Faculty of Health Sciences Students

Abstract

Introduction. Being a college student can bring out certain anxieties and stresses for young adults. Whenthey experience worry and concern, a lack of adequate support can lead to different habits. This studyaims to identify the role of perceived social competence on cigarette and alcohol usage among students inthe Faculty of Health Sciences. Method. This is a descriptive study conducted with 940 students from theFaculty of Health Sciences in Edirne, Turkey. Data have been collected using a survey form and the PerceivedSocial Competence Scale. Results. Students’ average age is 20.09 (±1.6); 80.6% are female, 49.4% studynursing-midwifery, 16.12% are current smokers, and 21.1% regularly consume alcohol. Risk factors forcigarette and alcohol usage have been evaluated as students whose parent smoke or drink, who live alone orwith friends, who are male, and who don’t have adequate parental support. Conclusion. The results of thisstudy shows that students and families need more education about cigarette and alcohol usage, and studentsneed more support from their friends and parents.