Association Between Smoking Behavior, Academic Performance, and Absenteeism Among Moroccan High School Students in the Rabat–Salé–Kénitra Region, Morocco
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Objective: Smoking is a growing phenomenon in developing countries among adolescents and adults; it constitutes a major and global public health problem, particularly for the young population. This study examines the association between smoking behavior, absenteeism, and academic performance among secondary school students.
Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 891 students from nine high schools in the Rabat–Salé–Kénitra region using a structured questionnaire adapted from validated adolescent tobacco-use surveys. The instrument assessed smoking behavior, absenteeism, and academic performance. Students were classified as never-smokers, experimental smokers, or current smokers. Associations were analyzed using chi-square tests.
Findings: The mean age of participants was 17.64 ± 1.41 years. The prevalence of lifetime smoking was 26%, while the prevalence of current smoking was 3.6%. Lifetime smoking was slightly higher among students in urban areas (27.29%) compared with rural areas (24.34%). Smoking was significantly associated with male gender (p < 0.001), age group (16–18 years: 67.7%; p = 0.007), and level of study (p = 0.002). Students who smoked showed significantly higher absenteeism (χ² = 84.15, p < 0.001) and lower academic performance (χ² = 113.21, p < 0.001) compared with non-smokers. The prevalence of current smoking was higher in urban areas (9.76%) than in rural areas (8.08%).
Conclusion: Smoking is significantly associated with higher absenteeism and lower academic performance among adolescents. However, due to the cross-sectional design, causal relationships cannot be established. These findings highlight the importance of school-based prevention and awareness strategies.
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