Prevalence and determinants of smoking behavior among general population in Makkah city, Saudi Arabia - An analytic cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Smoking behavior is a health threat to the world. It has a big influence on many diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of smoking among general population in Makkah city, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross sectional study has been conducted in September 2022 by posting an online survey on social media platforms (WhatsApp, Twitter) to collect data on participants' demographics, smoking behaviors and determinants using a validated Arabic version of a subcategory questions from the global adult tobacco survey (GATS). Results: A total of 996 participants responded, with the age 16-30 years old predominance (N=647, 65%). The prevalence of smoking was (N=340, 34.1%). There was an increased risk for tobacco smoking among participants with male gender (OR=3.68), low income (OR=2.77), government employee (OR=1.25), who experienced domestic violence or neglect (OR=2.54) and who had smoking friends (OR=2.14). Conclusion: A high prevalence of smokers was noticed.Understanding the factors associated with the smoking are crucial to design tobacco prevention and control programs. The health authority should take urgent measures to encounter this major issue.