Prevalence of smoking among high school students in Riyadh areas

ABSTRACT

The current study was performed to reveal a recent estimation of smoking problem among high school students in Riyadh, the capital city of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA] and three of its main territories Derehiah, Al Kharj and Al Majmah . Also to identify possible risk factors related to family life and personal aspects. The study was conducted in randomly selected schools including both high and low socioeconomic areas. 927 high school students [471 male, 456 females] were used with the mean age 16.5 +/- 1.3. During the study year 2009-2010. The students were recruited using two-stage stratified random sampling. The study instrument used was a validated structured questionnaire included questions about the smoking characteristics, motives for starting smoking and family and personal related risk factors. The questionnaire revealed a total prevalence of smoking percentage among high school students of 29.88%. There were no socioeconomic difference regarding the percentage of smoking students in Riyadh and the three main territories areas included. As regards smoking initiation the mean age was 14.4 +/- 1.9 for boys while 14.9 +/- 1.6 for girls. While a rate of 43.3%, indicated to have initiated smoking before the age of 14. Generally, around 23% of the students consume 6-10 cigarettes per day, where almost 22% are boys and about 24% are girls. On the other hand, those adolescents who are consuming 16-20 gained a similar percentage of 21.5% whereas 17% are boys and 23.39% are girls. An alarming proportion of 28% in boys and a less low 11.29% in girls said that they smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day [p< .05]. Friends were the main motive for starting smoking in boys and girls representing 40.1% followed by family negligence or problems representing 36% and 32.5% respectively. Curiosity and more pocket money were also detected as risk factors and is significantly predominant in boys 15%, 10% than girls 6.3%, 2.8% respectively. In addition, having smokers in the family or favorite teacher in schools and not being involved in sport activities increase significantly the incidence of smoking. In conclusion, the study determined some personal and family- related factors contributing to smoking problem. Clearly, efficacious interventions by coordinated efforts of the family, school and government are needed to develop effective strategies and programs to prevent increasing epidemic of smoking initiation among youth