Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the impact of smoking bans in schools on smoking prevalence and behavior among Saudi male youth aged 13-15 years. METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted involving students from two intermediate schools in Jeddah - one with a smoking ban and the other without. Data collection utilized the Global Youth Tobacco Survey questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0. RESULTS: The study had a 93.9% response rate, with 659 students participating. Notably, a lower percentage of ever-smoking was observed in the banned area compared to the non-banned area (39.6% vs. 50.9%; p=0.002). Current smoking rates were also lower in the banned area (14.2% vs. 23.8%; p=0.014). Family and peer influences on smoking were reduced in the banned area, and more students discussed the harmful effects of smoking with family (72.8% vs. 59.8%; p=0.003). Students in the non-banned area found it easier to access cigarettes. A significantly higher percentage of students in the banned area were resolute in not smoking if offered a cigarette by their best friend (65.0% vs. 59.2%; p=0.006). Students in the non-banned area reported higher exposure to cigarette smoke at home and in other places compared to those in the banned area (15.8% vs. 10.8%; p=0.008), respectively. A higher percentage of smokers in the banned area expressed a desire to quit smoking, though the difference was not statistically significant. More anti-smoking media messages were reported in the banned area (35.6% vs. 33.6%; p=0.004). Fewer respondents in the banned area had items with cigarette brand logos (13.6% vs. 19.9%; p=0.03). CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the effectiveness of smoking bans in schools in reducing smoking prevalence among students. This suggests a broader societal shift in attitudes toward smoking, highlighting the need for comprehensive bans as part of public health strategies. However, there remains a need for targeted interventions to address the complexities of smoking behavior in both banned and non-banned areas.