Prevalence and Attitude of Cigarette Smoking Among Indian Expatriates Living in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: The objective was to determine the prevalence and attitudes of smoking among expatriate Indian workers living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was done. All the data were collected using a questionnaire-based interview. RESULTS: A total of 421 people were interviewed. Almost half (42%) of the participants were between 31 and 40 years old and 7% were over 51 years. The majority of participants (63%) reported to be non-smokers. The maximum number of smokers was between 41 and 50 years old (42%) and most of them were regular smokers. Almost a third of the subjects (30%) had a higher secondary level of education, and 7% were illiterate. There was a significant association between the prevalence of smoking and the level of education (P < 0.001). Among smokers, half of them smoked more than 21 cigarettes/day. More than half, 238 (57%) of participants agreed that the tobacco was harmful to their health, and 50% agreed that tobacco sales should be banned. Among all, 92% were concerned about their health and 98% accepted that the tobacco causes diseases. The majority of smokers cited stress, loneliness financial responsibilities and a lack of socializing as reasons for their smoking habit. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence was relatively high, the majority was aware of the harmful effects of smoking and was keen to have the sale of tobacco banned. Due to their possible loneliness and stress, many felt that smoking helped ease their stress and tension.