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. 2024 Nov 30;16(11):e74850.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.74850. eCollection 2024 Nov.

Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Tobacco Use Among Physicians in Madinah City, Saudi Arabia, in 2024

Hisham Alsawadi  1   2   3 , Abdullah M Al Saloum  4   2 , Amani H Alrawi  4   2 , Basant M Abdelrazek Mohamed  5 , Kumay S Halawa  4   2 , Umm E Habiba U Baqrain  6 , Saeeda S Nawab  7
Affiliations

Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Tobacco Use Among Physicians in Madinah City, Saudi Arabia, in 2024

Hisham Alsawadi et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background Smoking is recognized as a major public health issue globally; it is widely distributed among people of various origins and races in the world despite hard efforts on cessation programs. Its health hazards extend to dangerous complications, which mostly end in death according to statistics around the world. Tobacco use is influenced by several factors, which may include social pressures from peers, family influences, and media portrayals of smoking. This study aimed to identify the smoking prevalence among Madinah physicians, the influencing factor of their tobacco use, and their tobacco-related attitudes. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving physicians working in selected district hospitals in Madinah. Participants were recruited using a convenience sampling technique and were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire in English. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, employing a chi-square analysis to assess smoking prevalence and influencing factors. Results The study involved 427 physicians, with 206 (48.2%) Saudi and 277 (64.9%) male. Most participants' ages ranged between 25 and 34 (38%). Smokers accounted for 85 (19.9%) participants, while previous smokers numbered 20 (4.7%). Male gender was significantly associated with smoking. Stress and social influence were the most common influencing factors, 62 (44.2%) and 26 (20.9%), respectively. The most common types of smoking products used among both groups were electronic cigarettes (42, 35.6%), cigarettes (40, 32.2%), and water pipes (22, 19.2%). Most physicians agreed on the importance of physicians serving as role models for the community representing 52 (61.2%) of tobacco users and 286 (83.6%) of non-tobacco users. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence, patterns, and implications of tobacco use among physicians in Madinah. The findings underscore a significant public health concern, revealing that a notable proportion of physicians are current or former tobacco users. Key demographic factors such as gender, age, and nationality demonstrate clear associations with tobacco use, highlighting the need for targeted interventions tailored to these specific groups.

Keywords: kingdom of saudi arabia (ksa); madinah city; physician tobacco use; smoking; tobacco habit; tobacco use influencing factors; tobacco use prevalence; tobacco users.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Prevalence of smoking among physicians
*The statistics is significant at the 0.05 level.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Smoking frequency among physicians
*The statistics is significant at the 0.05 level.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Smoking duration among physicians
*The statistics is significant at the 0.05 level.
Figure 4
Figure 4. Frequency of influencing factors of smoking among physicians
*The statistics is significant at the 0.05 level.
Figure 5
Figure 5. Frequency of smoking products among physicians
*The statistics is significant at the 0.05 level.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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