Combating tobacco use in Saudi Arabia: a review of recent initiatives

Abstract

Background: The tobacco use epidemic is one of the major global public health challenges and causes > 7 million deaths each year, including ~70 000 Saudis who die from smoking-related diseases. Aims: To present recent government initiatives in Saudi Arabia that have been designed to combat tobacco use in the country. Methods: This was a review based on secondary data sources such as published reports, articles in newspapers, and research studies published in various journals. Results: We present initiatives taken from June 2017 to April 2019 by the Saudi government to combat tobacco use, including value-added tax on tobacco, antismoking campaigns, antismoking clinics, mobile apps and other initiatives. Conclusion: The study suggests that the government should evaluate the impact of these initiatives on tobacco control in Saudi Arabia.

Socioeconomic Determinants of Smoking in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“…In 2017, the Saudi government levied excise taxes on tobacco products, which was reviewed in 2019 [ 12 ]. In addition, smoking in public places and the sale of cigarettes to minors are prohibited to control smoking [ 2 , 6 ]. These policies are steps in the right direction.…”

“…In 2018, 10,518 people died of cancer and 24,485 new cases were detected in the KSA [ 5 ]. It is estimated that about 70,000 people die annually in the KSA due to smoking-related diseases [ 6 ]. Tobacco use imposes a huge economic cost on societies.…”

The Impact of COVID-19 on Smoking Behaviours and Support for Smoke-Free Zones in Saudi Arabia

“…Despite international and national campaigns described earlier, there remains a perception that smoking is still prevalent in the community and even promoted in many areas of daily living [ 1 , 2 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. The response rate is too low to claim broad support for smoke-free zones amongst the University of Jeddah staff and students.…”

“…In Saudi Arabia, where smoking is associated with an estimated 70,000 deaths per year, many preventative and protective measures have been adopted [ 24 ]. Smoking in many public and enclosed areas has been banned in Saudi Arabia since 2012 with more stringent policies invoked in line with WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in recent years [ 2 , 25 , 26 ].…”

“…Smoking in many public and enclosed areas has been banned in Saudi Arabia since 2012 with more stringent policies invoked in line with WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in recent years [ 2 , 25 , 26 ]. Support for smoking cessation has seen additional healthcare clinics and mobile smoking cessation units open [ 24 ]. Like many Middle Eastern countries, Saudi Arabia banned the use of waterpipes in cafes and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic amid fears around spread of the disease.…”