Patterns and prevalence of smoking among the university community in Makkah, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Smoking remains a major public health concern worldwide and in Saudi Arabia. University settings provide an opportunity to study smoking patterns across diverse groups including students, academic staff, and administrative personnel. Most research in the region has focused on students alone, with limited attention to the wider university community. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of tobacco use among all sectors of a university population in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Umm Al-Qura University between December 2024 and February 2025. Students from different colleges and levels, academic staff, and administrative employees were invited. Recruitment used a convenience sampling approach, with invitations distributed through institutional platforms and reminders sent during the data collection period. Data was collected using a secure online questionnaire adapted from the WHO Global Adult Tobacco Survey, piloted for validity and reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.82). The survey covered sociodemographic characteristics, tobacco use patterns, initiation factors, nicotine dependence (Fagerström Test), cessation behaviors, and attitudes. A total of 430 individuals were invited, and 353 completed the survey (response rate 82%). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with 95% confidence intervals, and group differences were tested using chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, or t-tests where appropriate. Results Of the 353 respondents, 190 (53.8%) were aged 18–29 years. Gender distribution was nearly equal (170 males, 183 females). Students represented 49.0% of participants. Current daily tobacco use was reported by 41 respondents (11.6%), while 272 (77.1%) reported never using tobacco. Daily use was more common in males (17.6%) than females (6.0%). Of the total current tobacco users ( n = 80), 51 (63.8%) used traditional products and 28 (35.0%) used electronic cigarettes. Most (48/80, 60.0%) used only one type of product. Among ever-smokers ( n = 79), the leading reason for initiation was peer influence (37/79, 46.3%). Conclusion The findings reveal notable use of both traditional and electronic cigarettes within a university community. These results emphasize the importance of enforcing smoke-free campus policies, strengthening cessation services, implementing digital health interventions, and peer support initiatives to reduce tobacco use and promote a healthier academic environment.