Relationship between physical activity and smoking behavior among college students

Abstract

Poor diet, alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking constitute a major public health concern for West Bengal, India. These behaviours are increased among day by day among students which are problematic particularly in their concentration and physical fitness. It is well documented that cigarette smoking has negative impacts on body health, as well as social health, economy, culture, etc. So, the purpose of this study was to examine smoking behaviour and physical activity (PA) in Purba Medinipur, India and to examine cigarette smoking among young students based on education status. 50 young students (35 male, 15 female & aged 18-21 years old) from various colleges who are started cigarette smoking (minimum 2-3 cigarette / day) for 1-2 years continuously were selected. The study period was from July, 2015 to June 2016. Standardized questionnaires were supplied. The tests were used to record anthropometric data, health-related information, smoking behaviour, dietary habits and PA status. Smoking causes both immediate and long-standing effects on exercise and physical activity. Smokers also have less endurance, poorer physical performance, increased rates of injury and complications. As the college students are suffers with addiction of nicotine as well as smoking so their physical activity is reduced significantly.