Factors associated with tobacco use among Saudi Arabian youth: Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Introduction The epidemic of tobacco use poses one of the most severe public health challenges globally, responsible for over 8 million deaths annually according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This study investigates the factors associated with tobacco use among Saudi Arabian youth using th...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
European Publishing
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Tobacco Induced Diseases |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tobaccoinduceddiseases.org/Factors-associated-with-tobacco-use-among-Saudi-Arabian-youth-Application-of-the,196678,0,2.html |
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| Summary: | Introduction
The epidemic of tobacco use poses one of the most severe public health
challenges globally, responsible for over 8 million deaths annually according
to the World Health Organization (WHO). This study investigates the factors
associated with tobacco use among Saudi Arabian youth using the Theory of
Planned Behavior (TPB) framework.
Methods
A cross-sectional study used the 2022 Global Youth Tobacco Survey
(GYTS) to assess tobacco use among 5610 Saudi students aged 13–15 years.
The structured, anonymous questionnaire collected demographic data and TPB
constructs (e.g. attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and
intentions) were derived from the validated GYTS questionnaire, with items
grouped and scored to represent each construct. One-way ANOVA, t-tests, and
logistic regression analyses were conducted, with a significance level set at 0.05.
Results
Of the surveyed students, 5610 (80.4%) aged 13–15 years met the inclusion
criteria. Tobacco use was prevalent, with 31.3% having ever used tobacco and
8.78% currently using it. Negative attitudes toward tobacco were inversely
associated with usage (AOR=0.97; 95% CI: 0.970–0.974). Subjective norms,
reflecting perceived social pressure, were positively associated with tobacco use
(AOR=1.17; 95% CI: 1.170–1.176). Perceived behavioral control, indicating the
ease of quitting or avoiding tobacco, was strongly associated with use (AOR=1.87;
95% CI: 1.848–1.888). Stronger behavioral intentions to use tobacco were also
associated with a higher likelihood of use (AOR=1.24; 95% CI: 1.226–1.246).
Conclusions
The high prevalence of tobacco use among Saudi Arabian youth, early
initiation, and significant social influences highlight the need for comprehensive
public health strategies. Targeted education, reduced tobacco accessibility, and
programs to shift social norms and attitudes are essential. Addressing these
factors can help prevent initiation and support cessation efforts among young
people. |
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| ISSN: | 1617-9625 |