| Summary: | Introduction
Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality.
Studies on smoking in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have shown
inconsistent results. The purpose of this study was to provide a literature review
on the prevalence of tobacco smoking among school students, university students,
and the general population of KSA during 2009–2015, before the implementation
of new tobacco control measures.
Methods
We searched PubMed and Google for articles published in English from
2009 to 2015, focused on overall tobacco smoking and/or any form of tobacco
smoking (e.g. tobacco, cigarette, and waterpipe) and conducted with a sample
of ≥300 participants. Only the prevalence of current smoking was assessed. A
narrative synthesis of the prevalence results was conducted.
Results
Of the 360 studies found in the primary search, 91 were selected for
further examination for eligibility, and 20 studies were included in the review.
Among school students, the prevalence of smoking any form of tobacco (cigarettes,
waterpipes, or both) ranged 10.0–21.7%. The prevalence of cigarette smoking
ranged 8.9–19.5% and for waterpipe smoking it was 9.5%. Among university
students, the prevalence of smoking any form of tobacco ranged 11.1–25.3%,
cigarette smoking 7.8–17.5%, and waterpipe 4.3–18.0%. In the general population,
the prevalence of cigarette smoking ranged 19.6–23.5% and for waterpipe smoking
it was 4.3%.
Conclusions
Our study shows smoking levels were high in the KSA between
2009 and 2015. Studies utilizing standardized methodology with nationally
representative samples are needed to better characterize the prevalence of
different types of tobacco smoking. More research on national representative
samples is needed, including studies on the same populations/groups/areas over
time using standardized tools and definitions.
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