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International Approaches to Tobacco-Use Cessation Programs and Policy for Adolescents and Young Adults in Saudi Arabia

  • Tobacco (S Sussman and R Garcia, Section Editors)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

In this review, we are aiming to explore the recent literature regarding the current state of smoking and control plans and the recent changes in regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Recent Findings

Despite the strong efforts of tobacco control agencies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to curb smoking rates, prevalence rates among youth are still around 12.1% with no indicators for a decline. The main reasons that could lead to smoking are peer pressure, stress, easy access, media influence, and lack of knowledge of harmful effects of smoking. School programs, religious background, and health concerns are considered as the main protective factors from smoking in the Saudi community. Most primary health care physicians report that they did not receive any smoking cessation training in medical school or in residency program.

Summary

There is a strong need for school- and community-based anti-smoking awareness and cessation programs. Allocation of sufficient funds is necessary to reinforce laws combating smoking. Accessibility to smoking cessation clinics is very important and needs to improve significantly. Structured training for health care providers about cessation programs is pivotal. The availability of nicotine replacement therapy in all pharmacies is strongly needed.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University For Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Mohammed Alrabah

  2. Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Environmental Studies and Research, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

    Islam Gamaleddin

  3. Directorate of Poison Control and Forensic Chemistry Centres, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Islam Gamaleddin

  4. College Of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Fahad Allohidan

  5. King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Fahad Allohidan

Authors
  1. Mohammed Alrabah
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  2. Islam Gamaleddin
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  3. Fahad Allohidan
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Correspondence to Fahad Allohidan.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Tobacco

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Alrabah, M., Gamaleddin, I. & Allohidan, F. International Approaches to Tobacco-Use Cessation Programs and Policy for Adolescents and Young Adults in Saudi Arabia. Curr Addict Rep 5, 65–71 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-018-0188-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-018-0188-9

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