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Published on October 30, 2007

Of 4,485 freshmen and sophomores in 36 universities surveyed, 12 per cent smoked more than 10 cigarettes a day. Of all respondents, 11 per cent smoked regularly and 28 per cent had drunk occasionally in the past six months.

Asst Prof Wilasinee Adulyanont, a senior ThaiHealth official, said the joint study was carried out to evaluate a ThaiHealth campaign to reduce drinking and smoking at university initiation parties over the past three years.

The number of parties participating in the campaign has risen to 74 this year, up from the original number of 40 when the campaign began. The number of parties expected for the next academic year is set at 100, she added.

The poll found that 41 per cent of respondents thought of initiation, or "hazing", as a way to strengthen bonding among students, while 14.4 per cent described it as a way for senior students to abuse, bully and intimidate freshman students.

Of 49 per cent of respondents who said they had been through hazing, 45 per cent said they suffered stress, while 44 per cent said they had later confronted their seniors. Another 27 per cent said hazing disturbed them so much it affected their studies.

Asked what they thought about the ThaiHealth campaign, 73 per cent said they wanted it to continue and most said the campaign was fruitful in terms of reducing brawls and accidents during hazings.

Sixty per cent of respondents said the campaign had inspired them to not seek sponsorship from liquor companies for their future initiation ceremonies.

The Nation