Prevalence and Risk Factors of NCDs in Saudi Arabia | 17
The level of smoking differs across regions. Multivariate logistic regression models run on the 2013 SHIS database confirm the existence of these regional differences. When compared to Riyadh, the likelihood of daily smoking was highest for the Aljouf population, followed by populations of the Northern Borders, Tabouk, and Hail. According to the 2019 KSA WHS (MOH 2020), the prevalence of daily smoking was highest in Aljouf (14.6 percent). The greatest increase in daily smoking was recorded in Riyadh, Albaha, and Aseer, while a significant reduction in daily smoking was recorded in Northern Borders, the Eastern Region, and Alqaseem (figure 2.10). The differences should be considered when selecting the settings in which to (1) scale up the implementation of interventions aimed at decreasing the level of smoking and other tobacco products use and (2) supplement national interventions with programs adapted to the regional specificities. The prevalence of smoking among adults is lower in Saudi Arabia than the GCC country average. Saudi Arabia scores well in comparison with the GCC countries when data on the age-standardized prevalence of smoking are analyzed (figure 2.11). This result is due to the significant efforts made to reduce tobacco consumption in recent years. These efforts have included establishing smoking cessation clinics, imposing taxation and raising prices, banning smoking in public places, banning smoking advertisement, banning the sale of tobacco in small groceries, and requiring tobacco products to be in plain packages. It is unclear how the emerging trends, such as use of electronic cigarettes with a design that is attractive to teenagers, will influence the prevalence of smoking among adults in the future.
FIGURE 2.10
Changes in the prevalence of daily smoking in Saudi Arabia, by region, 2013 and 2019 2013 SHIS Aljouf Northern Borders Tabouk
2019 KSA WHS Aljouf Riyadh Hail
Hail
Tabouk
Makkah
Albaha
Alqaseem Riyadh Eastern Region Albaha Almadinah
Makkah Aseer Northern Borders Jazan Almadinah
Jazan
Eastern Region
Aseer
Alqaseem
Najran
Najran
Key: Dark blue = Increase between 2013 and 2019; Light blue = Decrease between 2013 and 2019. Sources: MOH 2020; MOH and IHME n.d. Note: Dark blue = increase between 2013 and 2019. Light blue = decrease between 2013 and 2019. KSA WHS = Kingdom of Saudi Arabia World Health Survey. SHIS = Saudi Health Interview Survey.
