PESHAWAR, Aug 7: Smoking among the students of the University of Peshawar has increased during the past one year, according to a survey conducted by the chest ward of the Khyber Teaching Hospital.

According to the survey this year 34 per cent male and five per cent female students at the university's 22 departments and colleges were found to be smokers.

Last year, a similar study had revealed that prevalence of smoking was 27 per cent in male and one per cent in female.

This year, Abaseen Foundation in collaboration with the chest ward of the KTH and Psychology Department of the university had interviewed 436 students, including 336 boys and 100 girls among the average age group of 22 years.

The study revealed that currently 119 students were involved in smoking, 248 happened to be non-smokers and 69 ex-smokers.

The questionnaire-based study revealed that the students started smoking at a very young age under the influence of media advertisements and the presence of smokers in their families.

One or more family members of the 87 per cent smoker-students were found to be involved in smoking, whereas only 11 per cent of the non-smoker families' students smoke regularly.

Last year, among the total 511 students, including 384 boy and 127 girls, 332 had been found non-smokers, 77 current smokers and 102 ex-smokers.

It said that non-smokers were found to be more healthy and regular in attending their classes and were aware of the health hazards associated with smoking. On contrary, 34 per cent of the smokers either didn't agree and weren't aware that smoking could cause cancer and other health problems.

The average expenditure on cigarettes by one student was found to be Rs25 per day.

The study said that the prevalence of smoking was alarmingly high, saying that among the UK-based same age group Pakistanis, the smoking prevalence was 28 per cent in men and two per cent in women. It said that five per cent prevalence of smoking among the female students was a matter of grave concern.