Secondhand smoke and smoking cessation among Saudi female at King Abdul-Aziz University students, Jeddah

Abstract EN

The objectives are to estimate the exposure to secondhand smoke, to assess attitudes toward smoking, and to evaluate smoking cessation habits among a sample of female Saudi students.

This crosssectional study was conducted by the distribution of a self-administered structured questionnaire given to 1,100 students at King Abdulaziz University.

The response rate was 95.5 %.

Eleven percent of respondents were current smokers.

Exposure to second-hand smoke was reported by 53 % of respondents, with 36.2 % reporting exposure at home or in public places and 19 % at both.

Exposure to second-hand smoke was significantly higher among smokers and students who had parents or friends who smoked.

The majority of students supported banning smoking in public places and in the university, with non-smokers showing more positive attitudes toward ban.

Among smokers, 19 % reported a desire to quit smoking, and 13 % have attempted to quit.

Two thirds of smokers believed it would be easy to quit smoking anytime.

Exposure to secondhand smoke is a public health problem in Saudi Arabia ; a problem that needs to be addressed.

More research is necessary to investigate this health hazard, and smoking prevention awareness, intervention and cessation programs are essential to promote a smoke-free environment.