Abstract
Background. Smoking is one of the global pandemics that has led to continued loss of lives over the past several centuries. West reported that higher percentage of smokers know the health impacts of smoking, with many reporting that they do not enjoy smoking.
Objective. This study examines the actual reasons for the spread of smoking.
Methods. An online survey provided quantitative data from 700 participants. Respondents were randomly divided into two conditions (Yes +, No -) and asked to respond to one of two sets of the causes of smoking. The responses were analyzed using contrast method with supersaturated designs and regression methods. The SPSS computer software has been employed to determine the actual causes that led to the spread of smoking.
Results. The findings indicated that ignorance of the seriousness of smoking on health, the unemployment, the media, ignorance of the legitimate ruling of smoking, to imitate blindly to friends and family, not to introduce deterrent laws to reduce smoking in public places and experiences are the factors that led to the spread of smoking in Saudi society statistically.
Conclusion. It is recommended that Saudi government professionals develop an operational plan to study these causes to take appropriate actions.