Half of adults in Saudi Arabia exposed to secondhand smoke, study finds

A comprehensive study examining over 10,000 adults in Saudi Arabia has uncovered that approximately half of the population has been exposed to secondhand smoke. Homes emerged as the most common location for this exposure, accounting for 57.1% of cases, which underscores the risks associated with indoor smoking, particularly for children, women, and the elderly.

The research, published in the BMJ Open journal in 2023, highlights the necessity for heightened awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of involuntary tobacco smoke exposure.

Ibrahim bin Ahmed Al-Hamdan, Director General of the Kafa Society, emphasized that the study's findings reveal the extensive harm caused by smoking, affecting not only smokers but also those in their vicinity. He stressed the need for increased protection and education for vulnerable groups, including children, women, pregnant women, and the elderly.

According to Al-Hamdan, the study, conducted from March 2023 to January 2024, found that 50% of participants were exposed to secondhand smoke, with homes being the primary source. Workplaces and cafes or coffee/tea shops followed, contributing 16.2% each to exposure rates.

Al-Hamdan expressed distress over the home being the most prevalent site for secondhand smoke exposure, emphasizing that homes should serve as safe havens but can become hazardous due to indoor smoking. He explained that cigarettes and shisha combined were responsible for 42% of exposure, while cigarettes alone accounted for 27.4%.

Notably, 74% of those exposed expressed dissatisfaction with their situation. Additionally, the study revealed a significant gap in public awareness, with only 56% of participants aware of the health risks associated with secondhand smoke, despite 86.5% supporting stricter legislation to restrict smoking in public areas.

Al-Hamdan underscored that these insights offer crucial material for awareness programs and activities. He stressed that messages grounded in credible research can clarify the extent of the problem and encourage preventive actions within society. He stressed that safeguarding families from secondhand smoke begins with maintaining a smoke-free home, urging smokers to recognize that tobacco smoke impacts not just themselves but also their loved ones, highlighting the health risks of indoor smoking.