The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on tobacco use: A population-based study

BACKGROUND: Various aspects of lifestyle seem to change during confinement, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study examines confinement’s effects on tobacco smoking habits (SH). METHODS: A survey was distributed among adults living in Jordan (age >18 years) of both genders during April-May of 2020, of which 1925 responded to the survey. RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking was 33.3%, 46.1%, and 21.1% for cigarettes (Cg), waterpipe (Wp), and E-cigarettes (ECg), respectively. Among the smokers, 38.5–45.8% reported a “no-change,” while 32.1–41.7% reported a “decrease” in SH during confinement. On the other hand, 18.0–22.1% reported an “increase” in the SH. However, concerning the factors that might affect SH, the results showed that age, gender, income, and job sector contribute to the observed changes. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in the SH during COVID-19 have been reported in about 50% of participants who smoke tobacco, with a more reported decrease than increase in use. Studies and interventions are needed to confirm further and understand the current results and discourage smoking during the COVID-19 pandemic.