pattern of smoking and associated factors among intermediate and secondary school students in Al-Khobar city area, Eastern Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of smoking and associated factors among intermediate and secondary schoolboys. This cross sectional study was carried out on a random sample of third- grade intermediate and all the three grades secondary school male students within Al-Khobar City area, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The prevalence of smoking among the teachers in the same schools was also investigated. The study concluded that a high prevalence of smoking was found among male intermediate and secondary school students in the Al-Khobar area. The unstable relationships in the students' family may be a predisposing factor for this habit. The initiation of smoking prevention/cessation in schools is urgently needed