COMMUNITY

HEALTH
INTRODUCTION TO TOBACCO
USE IN SAUDI ARABIA
Tobacco Use in Saudi Arabia
 Tobacco use is a big problem in Saudi Arabia, even though our culture and religion tell us it is bad. Let's look at
some key facts:
 Lots of people in Saudi Arabia use tobacco - old and young, boys and girls.

 Sad to say , more young teens are trying smoking cigarettes or vapes - some starting very early.

 Adult smoking rates are also very high, especially among certain ages and income levels.

 There are big differences between how many men and women smoke A lot more guys than women smoke.
HEALTH PROBLEMS OF
TOBACCO USE
 Breathing Problems

(It's harder to breathe when you smoke. It can make you cough and wheeze, and it gets worse over time.).
Smoking causes most cases of lung cancer and this can be deadly.
 Heart Problems

Smoking clogs the arteries and makes it harder for blood to flow. This leads to heart attacks and strokes.
Smoking raises blood pressure. High blood pressure is dangerous for the heart.
 Giving birth

People who smoke both men and women find it harder to have a baby. Womens who smoke have a hard
time getting pregnant).
CULTURAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS
INFLUENCING TOBACCO USE
Smoking in Culture
 In the past, smoking was part of some cultural
traditions in Saudi Arabia. It was seen at social
gatherings.
 Now, views are changing as more people know
smoking is unhealthy.
How People Think About Smoking
 Smoking used to be more accepted socially. But now
more people know it is bad for their health.
 Younger people today may be more likely to agree
that smoking is harmful. Anti-smoking messages
target youth.
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
AND REGULATIONS
Limits on Smoking Ads
 Saudi Arabia has strict rules about smoking ads. This is to
reduce exposure, especially for youth.
 Many public places don't allow smoking. This protects
people from secondhand smoke.
Age Rules for Buying Cigarettes
 You have to be a certain age to buy tobacco products legally
in Saudi Arabia. This prevents teens from starting to take .
 There are lots of rules for selling cigarettes. Sellers have to
check the ages.
Health Warnings on Cigarette Packs
 Cigarette packs in Saudi Arabia must show big, clear health
warnings. These educate about the harms of smoking.
TARGET AUDIENCE: UNDERSTANDING
TOBACCO USE AMONG TEENAGERS
Peer Campaigns
 Use ads with teens that show how smoking is bad in ways that matter to teens.
This gets the message across better.
 Popular students can share anti-smoking messages. Teenagers pay attention
when their friends talk about it.
Fun Ways to Learn About Smoking
 Schools can have games and discussions to show why smoking is dangerous.
This helps teens understand the risks.
 Social media posts and videos can also educate teens about smoking's impacts.
This should be interesting and don't feel like boring lectures.
EFFECTIVE SMOKING
STRATEGIES FOR QUITTING
Getting Help to Quit Smoking
• You can meet with a counselor who will create a personal
plan to help you stop smoking.
• There are also group meetings where people quitting can
share stories and give each other support.
Tools to Help You Quit
 (Nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges can help people who
are trying to stop smoking).
 (Doctors may also give you special drugs to help you stop
wanting to smoke).
Apps and Helplines
 There are phone apps to track progress and provide tips
when someone is trying to quit smoking.
 You can call hotlines to speak to experts who guide and
motivate people working to stop smoking.
EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGNS AND
COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS
"Smoke-Free Arabia" program
 The "Smoke-Free Saudi" campaign was started by the Ministry of
Health. It teaches people about the harms of smoking. They use ads,
school programs, and community events.
 The campaign is working. More young people and adults now know
how bad smoking is for their health. Surveys show smokers have
been more interested in quitting after seeing the ads.
 (Since the campaign started, more people are calling quit lines and
going to clinics to help them quit. This shows that the effort has made
more people want to quit smoking).
School-Based Prevention Programs
 Health groups worked with schools to add programs about how bad
smoking is. These have interactive talks, workshops, and activities led
by students.
 The programs seem to be helping. Fewer students tried smoking after
taking the anti-smoking classes. Surveys show the students who take
the classes understand more about smoking risks.
LOCAL RESOURCES AND SUPPORT
FOR TOBACCO CESSATION
 1. Healthcare Clinics and Centers

 Center for Tobacco Treatment Research and Training (CTTRT) https://www.umassmed.edu/tobacco/Blog/blog-

posts/2018/2/tobacco-treatment-aramco-in-saudi-arabia/
• Services Offered: These clinics provide counseling, behavioral therapies, and medical interventions tailored to
individuals seeking to quit smoking.
 2. National Hotline and Online Platforms

• National Tobacco Cessation Hotline: [937' hotline], available nationwide for individuals seeking immediate
support and guidance regarding smoking cessation.
• Online Resources: https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Ministry/Projects/TCP/Pages/default.aspx

• https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/eServices/cards/Pages/TCP.aspx
REFERENCES
 Alkhalaf, M., Suwyadi, A., AlShamakhi, E., Oribi, H., Theyab, Z., Sumayli, I., ... & Alqassim,
A. (2021). Determinants and prevalence of tobacco smoking among medical students at Jazan
University, Saudi Arabia. Journal of Smoking Cessation, 2021.
 Alotaibi, H. F., & Alsanea, N. A. (2022). Impact of taxation policy on tobacco consumption in
Saudi Arabia. Annals of Saudi Medicine, 42(1), 1-7.
 Itumalla, R., & Aldhmadi, B. (2020). Combating tobacco use in Saudi Arabia: a review of
recent initiatives. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 26(7).