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

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

To cite this article: Semerci, R., Dindar, İ., Küçükkaya, B., Kızılok Kale, E., Derleyen, B., & Sunar, S. (2018). The role of perceived social competence on cigarette and alcohol usage among faculty of health sciences students. Addicta: The Turkish Journal on Addictions, 5, 67–80. http://dx.doi.org/10.15805/addicta.2018.5.1.0020