Abstract
The aims of this study are to assess cigarette and hookah smoking rates amongst adult population in Jordan and to determine predictors of smoking status. Selected beliefs, perceptions and attitudes toward cigarettes and hookah smoking were also assessed. This cross-sectional study was conducted in five regional governorates of Jordan through face-to-face interviews on a random sample of adult population aged 18-79 years. Data was collected using a piloted questionnaire based on the Global Adult Tobacco Questionnaire. The overall prevalence of cigarette smoking in our sample (869) was 59.1 % amongst males and 23.3 % amongst females, while the overall prevalence of hookah smoking was 18.9 % amongst males and 23.1 % amongst females. Leisure and imitation were the most commonly reported reasons for smoking. Regardless of smoking status, people were aware of health risks associated smoking and also had negative perceptions toward smoking. Smoking rates for both genders have reached alarmingly high rates in Jordan. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive national programme to target the country's growing burden of smoking. Suggestions on leisure time activities should be included in such programmes.
Highlights
Tobacco smoking has reached epidemic proportions in many countries around the world
Regardless of smoking status, people were aware of health risks associated smoking and had negative perceptions toward smoking
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there are more than 5 million deaths from direct tobacco use and 600,000 deaths from second-hand smoking annually; low- and middle-income countries are worst affected by tobacco in terms of morbidity and mortality [25]
Summary
Tobacco smoking has reached epidemic proportions in many countries around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) this epidemic has become one of the biggest public health threats that the world has ever faced. The WHO estimates there are more than 5 million deaths from direct tobacco use and 600,000 deaths from second-hand smoking annually; low- and middle-income countries are worst affected by tobacco in terms of morbidity and mortality [25]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
