Tobacco and waterpipe use among university students in Saudi Arabia: impact of tobacco sales ban

Background: Waterpipe smoking is a method of tobacco consumption that continues to spread globally. In 2002, a ban of tobacco sales was adopted in the Saudi Arabian cites of Mecca and Medina. Aims: This study aimed to examine prevalence of waterpipe and cigarette smoking among students of Taibah University, the biggest in Medina, where the tobacco sales ban has been implemented. Methods: A structured questionnaire was distributed between February and April 2015 to examined tobacco use among Taibah University students. Results: The prevalence of current and ever waterpipe use was 24.2% and 36.04%, respectively, compared with 31.9% and 42.7% for current and ever cigarette smoking. This prevalence is similar to that reported in other Saudi cities where tobacco sales are allowed. Multivariate analysis showed that waterpipe use was higher among senior students; those with pocket money spending of > 500 Saudi Arabia riyal (SAR)/month; and if > 5 individuals were living in the household. In addition, waterpipe use was lower among students with monthly household income of 5000-9000 SAR. In contrast, current cigarette smoking was more frequent in those aged > 22 years; among male students; in those with pocket money spending of > 500 SAR/month; and those who lived away from their parents. Conclusions: Waterpipe and cigarette smoking, despite the ban on tobacco sales, is still common among Taibah University students in Medina, Saudi Arabia.