Background: Tobacco use is recognized as the most significant global cause of preventable diseases and death. Multiple studies have established a direct correlation between smoking and a range of severe health issues, leading to increased mortality, premature death, and significant morbidity. The aim of study is to determine prevalence of smoking habits among college students and to estimate some of smoking risk factors.

Method: This study utilized a cross-sectional design to evaluate smoking behaviors among 421 students across three colleges at Al Nahrain University, using a self-administered questionnaire in Arabic from February to May 2014. Data analysis was performed with SPSS 20, applying Chi-square and Fisher exact tests to explore demographic and psychosocial associations with smoking, with ethical approvals obtained for adherence to academic and ethical standards. The study aimed to provide actionable insights for smoking cessation interventions.

Results: This study examined smoking behaviors among 421 students from three colleges at Al Nahrain University, revealing a smoking prevalence of 31.6%, with significant gender and employment-related disparities. Key influences on smoking initiation included family and peers, while health concerns were the primary motivator for cessation. Despite varied readiness to quit across smoking types and frequencies, no significant differences in cessation intent were observed across colleges or initial smoking causes.

Conclusion: The study identifies key factors such as gender, cultural norms, and economic conditions influencing smoking behaviors among Iraqi university students. It suggests that tailored, culturally sensitive intervention programs could leverage the significant readiness to quit observed in many students. These interventions should address both the psychological motivations and social influences driving tobacco use.