Association between Atopic Dermatitis and Cigarette Smoking Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most prevalent inflammatory skin conditions. AD symptoms include dry skin and an itchy rash, significantly reducing the quality of life. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of AD is 19.8% overall. The increased prevalence of AD in smokers raises the possibility that smoking is a risk factor and one of the biggest obstacles to global public health. Purpose: In Saudi Arabia, little is known about the connection between smoking and AD despite substantial studies being done worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether there is a connection between AD and smoking among Saudi Arabia’s general populace. Methods: A web-based descriptive cross-sectional study was done in Saudi Arabia. The minimal required sample was estimated to be 385 participants. The overall samples were collected to a maximum of 496 participants. Data were obtained through an online questionnaire directed to the Saudi population and were statistically analyzed using the SPSS program version 26. To determine the association between the variables, the Chi-squared test (χ2) was applied. Results: Four hundred and ninety-six participants satisfying the inclusion criteria completed the study questionnaire. 22.6% were smokers. One hundred and thirty-two (26.6%) had been diagnosed with AD (eczema) by a doctor during the past year; 30 participants were smokers, 57 participants were secondhand smokers, and 31 participants had smoked an electronic cigarette. The prevalence of previous diagnoses with AD by a doctor during the past year was higher among females (P ≤ 0.05). Previous diagnosis of AD was not associated with other participants’ demographics, physical activity, body mass index, and participants’ smoking status (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: Previous diagnosis of AD was not associated with participants’ smoking status.