A call for Effective Interventions to Curb Shisha Tobacco Smoking among University Students in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Although the number of cigarettes smoked has been declining due to major public health initiatives, shisha tobacco smoking is gaining popularity around the world, particularly among youth and university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 464 university students in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia using a structured questionnaire (i) to assess the prevalence of shisha smoking; (ii) to evaluate risk-perception, knowledge and normative belief about shisha smoking, and to compare these among users and non-users of shisha. Results: The study reported a high prevalence (22.8%) of the current use of shisha among the university students with a narrow gender gap and found that STS is getting more popular than other forms of tobacco. A quarter of participants had low risk perception and 30.2% had low knowledge of shisha smoking harm. Importantly, more than two-fifth of them were current users of shisha. Low risk-perception about shisha and social acceptability were significantly contributed to the high prevalence of shisha smoking among the youth. Conclusion: It is important to provide exposure to education related to shisha hazards and increase the awareness of students and the public about the health effects of shisha smoking.

Changes in Attitude to Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking among Youngsters in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In this study, a lower proportion of intent quit and higher intent to start were reported among the cigarette or e-cigarette users. It strongly indicates the popularity and acceptance of WTS among the users of other-form of tobacco (Alshayban and Joseph, 2019).…”

“…The study shows that more than one-third (36%) of participants were used WTS at least once in the past with a higher proportion among males than in females. A previous publication was reported that the past 30-day prevalence was 23% with a narrow gender gap (Alshayban and Joseph, 2019). The previous attempt or the intention to quit may explain the gender difference in proportion.…”

Expert Consensus Statements on Smoking Cessation Best Practice in Saudi Arabia

“…The low risk-perception associated with shisha and its societal acceptability have contributed to the high prevalence of its use among young adults in Saudi Arabia [15,38]. Healthcare providers should enquire about shisha use, educate regarding its dangers, and advise users to quit [13].…”

Noncommunicable Diseases in Saudi Arabia: Toward Effective Interventions for Prevention

“…A study of male medical college students in Saudi Arabia's eastern region reports that the prevalence of shisha smoking is 12.6 percent (Taha et al 2010). Another study in eastern region finds that 22.8 percent of university students had smoked shisha within the past 30 days and that shisha use is more prevalent than either cigarette use or e-cigarette use (Alshayban and Joseph 2019). A study of students at Taibah university in medina reports that current shisha use is 24.2 percent despite a citywide ban on the sale of tobacco products (Daradka et al 2019).…”