Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the tobacco use status and determine the prevalence and pattern of current tobacco smoking among adult Saudi population to provide baseline data that may assist national health policies to control tobacco use in Saudi Arabia
Methods: 4,751 Saudis aged 15-64 years were analyzed, for pattern of tobacco use, from a national cross-sectional survey of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors. Data were collected using the standardized stepwise approach for NCD risk factor surveillance, of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Results: According to this study, most current tobacco users are tobacco smokers (92%). The overall prevalence of current tobacco smokers is 12.9% (611) of the total participants, with significantly higher proportion of male smokers than females (24.7% of males and 1.4% of females). Most current smokers are daily smokers (86%), of these 72.5% use manufactured cigarettes, with significantly more proportion of males than of females. The prevalence of current use of smokeless tobacco among the participants was estimated at 1.1% and more common among males than females, 1.7% and 0.5% respectively. But there was no significant difference. In all the smoking status categories, the proportion of male tobacco users is significantly higher than female tobacco users even among the former smokers Univariate analysis shows that smoking prevalence was higher among males, age group 25-34, northern and eastern regions, educated people, and among those in certain occupations: unemployment and nongovernmental employee, and participants with income equal or more than 15000 Saudi Riyals per Month. Using logistic model, significant predictors for current smoking were: Male, younger adults, being in the eastern or northern regions, and being unemployed.
Conclusion: Unlike adult females, tobacco smoking was prevalent among adult males in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Significant predictors for current smoking were: Male sex, younger adults, being in the eastern or northern regions, and being unemployed. Further explanatory research, considering gender differences and other socio-demographic subcategories in tobacco use is recommended to develop an effective anti-smoking intervention program.