Smoking Among Saudi Students: A Review of Risk Factors and Early Intentions of Smoking

This review aims to determine the prevalence of smoking among Saudi students and to study and to identify, synthesize and summarize the predictors that initiate smoking among students in different ages in Saudi Arabia. Different databases were searched (Web of Science, Google Scholar, Pub Med and Science Direct) with keywords. This search was carried out in October 2013. Studies that included were evaluated for methodological soundness by giving a quality score based on Russell and Gregory’s criteria. A total 12 relevant articles were included in this review. The findings show that the prevalence of smoking is still in higher rates. The age of smoking was started among adolescents ranged from 10 to 15 years old while from university students were from 16 years old. The main reason for smoking among adolescents was influenced by friends. Among college students were peer pressure followed by the stress, media and imitation of others. Curiosity was a reason for having tried smoking and parents was perceived to be the first source for smoking. Religion was considered the main factor against smoking among the adolescent non-smokers and health consideration among college students. Appropriate smoking control programs on adolescent should be initiated they become the future professionals of the society. Smoking control programs should be considered in this group.