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The Impact of COVID-19 on Smoking Behaviours and Support for Smoke-Free Zones in Saudi Arabia

Author

Listed:
  • Mansour Tobaiqy

    (Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Jeddah, P.O. Box 45311, Jeddah 21512, Saudi Arabia)

  • Andrew MacLure

    (Independent Researcher, Aberdeen AB32 6RU, UK)

  • Dennis Thomas

    (School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia)

  • Katie MacLure

    (Independent Research Consultant, Aberdeen AB32 6RU, UK)

Abstract

This article focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on smoking and smoking cessation behaviours and support for smoke-free zones in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A pre-tested structured survey was distributed by email in October–November 2020 to students and staff at the University of Jeddah. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics with summative content analysis of open text. Participants providing open text comments ( n = 374/666; 56.4%) were non-smokers ( n = 293; 78.3%), former smokers ( n = 26; 7.0%) and current smokers ( n = 55; 14.7%). Some had household members ( n = 220; 58.8%) and friends who smoke ( n = 198; 52.9%) plus daily exposure to secondhand smoke at home ( n = 125; 33.4%). There was an awareness during COVID-19 of: smoking inside cafes/restaurants and other indoor and outdoor public places; exposure to warnings in the media both against and promoting smoking; widespread support for smoke-free zones. Smokers plans for accessing smoking cessation support are inconsistent with retrospective reports. Many express positivity highlighting reductions in smoking but there were also negative reports of increased smoking. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of society worldwide. People have been at home more with restricted freedom of movement and limitations on social liberty. These individual accounts can help to focus evidence-based smoking prevention and cessation programmes during and post-COVID-19.

Suggested Citation

  • Mansour Tobaiqy & Andrew MacLure & Dennis Thomas & Katie MacLure, 2021. "The Impact of COVID-19 on Smoking Behaviours and Support for Smoke-Free Zones in Saudi Arabia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-10, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:13:p:6927-:d:584022
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yael Bar-Zeev & Michal Shauly & Hannah Lee & Yehuda Neumark, 2021. "Changes in Smoking Behaviour and Home-Smoking Rules during the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown Period in Israel," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-12, February.
    2. Mansour Tobaiqy & Dennis Thomas & Andrew MacLure & Katie MacLure, 2020. "Smokers’ and Non-Smokers’ Attitudes towards Smoking Cessation in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-12, November.
    3. Andrea A. Joyce & Grace M. Styklunas & Nancy A. Rigotti & Jordan M. Neil & Elyse R. Park & Gina R. Kruse, 2021. "Quit Experiences among Primary Care Patients Enrolled in a Smoking Cessation Pilot RCT Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-12, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Xiaoyu Wang & Zaifei Ma & Chunan Wang, 2022. "A Longitudinal Study on the Addictive Behaviors of General Population before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-12, May.

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