Sociodemographic Determinants of Smoking Behavior Among Adults in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aims to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with smoking behavior among adults in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 551 adults aged 15-65 years was conducted between December 2024 and February 2025. Data were collected via a validated self-administered questionnaire distributed through WhatsApp (Meta Platforms, Inc., Menlo Park, CA). Associations between smoking status and sociodemographic variables (age, gender, education, income, and occupation) were analyzed using chi-square tests with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results Of 551 participants, 165 (29.9%) were current smokers, 328 (59.5%) non-smokers, and 58 (10.5%) passive smokers. Smoking prevalence was significantly higher among males (154, 37.8%) than among females (11, 7.6%) (p = 0.001). Participants with a diploma (45, 37.5%) had the highest smoking rate, while those with postgraduate degrees (nine, 17.6%) had the lowest (p = 0.003). Smoking was also associated with overweight status (65, 37.8%) and private-sector employment (63, 50.8%) (p < 0.05). Conclusion Smoking prevalence remains high among adults in the Eastern Province, particularly among men, those with lower educational levels, and private-sector workers. Educational attainment may act as a protective factor. These findings support the implementation of targeted public health strategies such as workplace-based smoking cessation programs, awareness campaigns focusing on low-education groups, and stricter enforcement of tobacco control policies to reduce smoking prevalence in high-risk populations.