Prevalence of smoking in the Kuwaiti adult population in 2014: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

The study objective was to assess tobacco smoking prevalence in Kuwaiti adults in relation to sociodemographic characteristics. A cross-sectional study survey was conducted in 2014 on 3917 Kuwaiti citizens (18–69 years) following the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise Approach to Surveillance (STEPS) methodology. The study assessed prevalence of self-reported ever-smoking or currently smoking tobacco products and exposure to secondhand smoke in relation to demographic and smoking-related characteristics. The prevalence of “ever smoker” in men and women was 49.9% and 4.4%, respectively, whereas the prevalence of “current smoker” was 39.2% and 3.3%, respectively. Sex (adjusted OR [AOR], 19.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 13.0–28.3], male versus female) was significantly associated with current smoking. Among daily smokers, 87.1% used manufactured cigarettes. The average daily number of manufactured cigarettes for men and women was 21.8 and 13.0, respectively. Mean age at smoking initiation was 17.5 years (95% CI 17.2–17.9). The prevalence of secondhand smoke at home and work was 38.6% and 29.9%, respectively. Half of Kuwaiti men have smoked at some point in their life with most of these being current smokers. Secondhand smoke is a common exposure at home and work, posing serious health risks to the population.

Increased expression of advanced glycation endproducts in the gingival crevicular fluid compromises periodontal status in cigarette-smokers and waterpipe users

“…An alarming finding of the present study was that all cigarette-smokers and waterpipe-users that volunteered to participate in the present study were young and were in their late 20 s; and were residents of Kuwait City. Our results support the outcomes of a cross-sectional study by Alali et al [ 45 ] according to which, smoking is more common among males than females in Kuwait and the mean age at smoking initiation was approximately 18 years. The authors of the present study support the results reported by Alali et al [ 45 ]; and emphasize that there is a dire need to implement public health-related policies through which, the general population could be educated the public about the detrimental effects of smoking on oral and general health.…”

Tobacco smoking and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries

“…13 It is estimated that 39.3% of male and 3.3% of females in Kuwait are smokers. 14 Similar results were found in United Arab Emirates UAE with smoking prevalence of 36% among males and 3% among females. 15 In Oman, the prevalence of smoking is expected to be 33.3% by 2025.…”

Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Physical Activity and Dietary Behaviors in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The higher rates of smoking among males, although significantly higher than that of females, can be argued to represent the pre-pandemic rates of smoking. Data collected in Kuwait before the pandemic showed a higher prevalence of smoking among males compared to females [ 55 , 56 ]. Of importance to this study is the significant increase in smoking during the pandemic among males compared to females.…”