Smoking habits among Saudi female university students: prevalence, influencing factors and risk awareness

Abstract

Smoking is a recognized health problem worldwide. Smokers are at an increased risk of developing several serious and potentially fatal diseases such as heart disease cancer and respiratory illness. Women who smoke also experience gender-specific health consequences including various adverse reproductive outcomes. The prevalence of smoking among women is consistently lower than men especially in developing countries where there is a strong influence of culture and tradition. The situation however is changing and the epidemic of smoking among women in the developing world is increasing. Eastern Mediterranean countries including Saudi Arabia follow the same global trend of gender differences in smoking patterns. Several studies conducted over the past 20 years showed that the tobacco epidemic is firmly established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However most of studies were conducted in males limited to cigarette smoking and confined to the central region. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence and patterns of smoking among Saudi female students at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah city Western Region and to determine factors influencing student smoking behavior and their knowledge about its adverse health effects. (excerpt)