Smoking Among Females Attending a Health Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Smoking is now the most important preventable cause of death in the industrialized world.1,2 Although tobacco consumption in the Western world has declined over the last 20 years, 3 recent figures show that the rate of cigarette smoking among 15-to 24-year-old females in the European community is nearly as high as that among men and it is projected to exceed that among men by the latter part of the 1990s.4 -5 One factor to account for this trend is that the tobacco industry is targeting females through females' magazines. 6 On the other hand, the prevalence of smoking among females in the developing countries is still low, not exceeding 10%, 7 but is increasing rapidly, particularly among the young, 8 due in part to the aggressive marketing of tobacco companies. 9,10 Studies in different sectors of the Saudi community have shown a significantly larger proportion of smokers among males than females. In 1991, Felimban 11 showed that the prevalence of smoking was 8.6% and 11.6% among medical and nonmedical Saudi female university students respectively. The figures for male students in medical 12 and other colleges 13 were much higher at 33% and 37% respectively. Besides, in Riyadh 38% of male physicians and 16% of female physicians were current smokers.14 The aim of this study is to describe the pattern of smoking among females visiting a Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) in Riyadh and to explore the reasons for and certain predictive factors of smoking. It is hoped that such information will be helpful in planning strategies and activities aimed at reducing smoking among females in Saudi Arabia. Subjects and MethodsThe study population consisted of females selected randomly from those attending Olaya/Sulaimania PHCC in Riyadh during October and November 1993. Only females age 12 years or more were included. Out of 530 females who were asked to participate in the study, 506 agreed to participate (a response rate of 95%). Data CollectionA self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The questionnaire was a modified Arabic version of the standard form designed by the WHO for surveys on smoking.5 A letter of introduction was attached to each questionnaire, stating the objoctives of the study, emphasizing both the confidentiality of the information and that the collected data will be used for scientific purposes only. The questionnaire was anonymous (no identification possible) and was distributed in the waiting area by a research assistant. While the females were filling out the questionnaires, the research assistant was available to answer queries and to collect and check the questionnaires for completeness. The questions were read to illiterate patients either by accompanying literate relatives or by the research assistant. All 506 females complied with filling out the questionnaire. The reliability of the self-reported answers was checked by looking for any inconsistency of answers with the aid of a computer and, as a result, eight questionnaires were excluded, leaving 498 to be included in anal...

Smoking patterns among primary health care attendees, Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia

“…We did not find any significant association between smoking and place of residence, unlike a study of female students in Riyadh; this might be attributed to sample differences and to the nature of co-morbid disorders [11]. However, early smoking behaviours and poverty along with rural residence have been strongly associated [17,19].…”

“…The daily census of PHC clients was impressively high and differed between rural and urban settings. Although no females were included in this study, 4.7%-16% of women smoke cigarettes in Riyadh [11,12].…”

“…A review of smoking data in the Gulf countries found only 17 studies that primarily examined prevalence, predictors and patterns of smoking among healthy populations and provided strategies and recommendations for prevention, treatment and further research. Smoking among male psychiatric outpatients in Saudi Arabia has been examined, but to our knowledge, few studies have addressed smoking patterns in primary health care (PHC) settings [9][10][11][12][13]. Our cross-sectional study therefore aimed to explore prevalence, sociodemographics, medical comorbidity and patterns of smoking in a relatively large PHC population.…”

Prevalence of Smoking and Attitude toward Smoking Cessation among Community Pharmacists, Saudi Arabia

“…An extensive literature search yielded few small-scale studies and only one nationwide survey. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] To our knowledge, none of these studies addressed smoking among pharmacists; however, this problem has been studied among medical students and primary healthcare physicians. 7-15 Therefore, the objectives of this survey were to estimate the prevalence of smoking among community pharmacists and explore their attitudes toward issues related to smoking cessation.…”

Exploring Integrative Approaches: Insights Into Complementary Medicine Practices Among Breast Cancer Survivors in Saudi Arabia

“…In 2012 and 2017, yoga was the supplemental health practice that US people employed the most (14.3%) [ 6 ]. Conversely, the most common types of CAM practiced in Saudi Arabia are associated with religious beliefs, such as the Holy Quran, black seed, Myrrh, honey, and cupping therapy [ 10 - 12 ]. Up to 10%-80% of cancer patients use CAM, such as prayers and nutritional supplements [ 13 - 17 ].…”