Tobacco smoking habits, attitudes and associated factors among women in the United Arab Emirates
1
College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
2
Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Amman, Jordan
3
Department of Public health and Epidemiology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1527
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Despite ongoing control efforts, tobacco smoking continues to remain a serious public health burden due to its wide-ranging health consequences. This study examined the prevalence and patterns of tobacco use among women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with a focus on various forms of smoking.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult women residing in the UAE. Eligible participants included UAE nationals and expatriates aged 18 years and older who were able to read Arabic or English and provided informed consent. Participants were recruited through online platforms and in-person distribution at universities, hospitals, and public venues. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire developed for this study and content-validated by experts. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, applying descriptive statistics and inferential tests.
RESULTS:
Overall, 21.4% of respondents reported ever smoking, and 15.1% were current smokers. The most commonly used products included traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and waterpipes. Higher smoking prevalence was observed among younger women and those who were employed. Key factors associated with continued smoking included peer pressure, emotional stress, low awareness of health risks, and exposure to smoking behaviors via family or media. Female smokers demonstrated lower levels of knowledge regarding specific health risks associated with smoking when compared to nonsmokers.
CONCLUSIONS:
Tobacco use remains a notable public health concern among women in the UAE, particularly among younger and employed populations. The findings highlight the persistence of multiple forms of smoking and reveal important gaps in knowledge regarding smoking-related health risks among female smokers. Social and psychosocial influences, play a significant role in sustaining tobacco use. These results underscore the need for targeted tobacco control strategies that combine health education, stress management, and social interventions to effectively reduce smoking prevalence among women in the UAE.
Despite ongoing control efforts, tobacco smoking continues to remain a serious public health burden due to its wide-ranging health consequences. This study examined the prevalence and patterns of tobacco use among women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with a focus on various forms of smoking.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult women residing in the UAE. Eligible participants included UAE nationals and expatriates aged 18 years and older who were able to read Arabic or English and provided informed consent. Participants were recruited through online platforms and in-person distribution at universities, hospitals, and public venues. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire developed for this study and content-validated by experts. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, applying descriptive statistics and inferential tests.
RESULTS:
Overall, 21.4% of respondents reported ever smoking, and 15.1% were current smokers. The most commonly used products included traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and waterpipes. Higher smoking prevalence was observed among younger women and those who were employed. Key factors associated with continued smoking included peer pressure, emotional stress, low awareness of health risks, and exposure to smoking behaviors via family or media. Female smokers demonstrated lower levels of knowledge regarding specific health risks associated with smoking when compared to nonsmokers.
CONCLUSIONS:
Tobacco use remains a notable public health concern among women in the UAE, particularly among younger and employed populations. The findings highlight the persistence of multiple forms of smoking and reveal important gaps in knowledge regarding smoking-related health risks among female smokers. Social and psychosocial influences, play a significant role in sustaining tobacco use. These results underscore the need for targeted tobacco control strategies that combine health education, stress management, and social interventions to effectively reduce smoking prevalence among women in the UAE.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
