Prevalence of tobacco smoking between 2009 and 2015 among students and the general population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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.