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

Mansour Tobaiqy, Andrew MacLure, Dennis Thomas and Katie MacLure
Additional contact information
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

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 13, 1-10

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.

Keywords: smoking cessation; quitting tobacco products; barriers for quitting; secondhand smoking; smoke free zones; COVID-19; Saudi Arabia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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