On the Prevalence and Distribution of Tobacco use and Evaluation of Awareness Levels Regarding its Detrimental Effects Among College Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Tobacco use remains one of the most pressing public health challenges globally, and is the leading cause of preventable diseases, disabilities, and deaths, claiming more than eight million lives annually. Among these, nearly one and a half million deaths occur due to exposure to second hand smoke, highlighting the broader societal implications of tobacco use. In countries like Saudi Arabia, the youth population forms a substantial demographic, making them a critical group for public health interventions. The present questionnaire-based study attempts to analyse the prevalence and distribution of tobacco use and also has evaluated the awareness levels of the detrimental effects of smoking among college going students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This study has found that 66.6% of participants were aware of the harmful effects of tobacco, 38.8% reported using tobacco in some form. Tobacco use was significantly higher among males, with 155 out of 289 males (53.63%) using tobacco, compared to 39 out of 149 females (26.17%). About 66.6% students demonstrated awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco use, while 33.4% lacked this knowledge. Among tobacco users, 53.6% believed shisha was less harmful than cigarettes, while 38.2% believed e-cigarettes posed minimal health risks. About 31.96% expressed willingness to quit, while 68.04% were not interested in quitting. The findings of this study have important implications for public health in Saudi Arabia. By identifying the prevalence and patterns of tobacco use among college students, it will provide valuable insights into the behaviors and attitudes driving tobacco consumption. Understanding the level of awareness regarding the harmful effects of tobacco will help in designing more effective educational campaigns that resonate with young adults.