Background: Smokers seeking treatment at smoking cessation clinics in the Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia are more likely to be smokers than non-smokers, according to a survey carried out by WHO and the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Objectives : To assess the cessation of smokers in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. To estimate socio-demographics and socio-socio-economic factors among those who quit. To review of follow up data on the management of smokers for the same study period. To provide recommendations for smoking cessation programs in Saudi Arabian.
Methods: A record-based descriptive study. Secondary data on visitors to smoking cessation clinics in the Al-Qassim region who were registered and served between January 1st 2018 and December 31st 2019, were obtained from the Smoking Cessation Program, Al-Qassim region. Sociodemographic information and smoking-related factors were gathered. P–values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results
Through the study period, 504 smokers visited smoking cessation clinics in Al-Qassim region, The vast majority of smokers (94%) have no co-morbidities, and nicotine dependence was significantly higher in smokers with a higher monthly income and those who smoked more than 20 cigarettes per day. The subjects received pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation; 94% of the subjects received this treatment.
Conclusion
Smokers seeking smoking cessation assistance demonstrated a high level of nicotine dependence (45.6%). As a result, for smoking control interventions to be effective, they must consider the general characteristics of smokers treated through the public health care system.
Keywords: smokers, smoking cessation clinics, Saudi Arabia, Al-Qassim