Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1360-8327
Date of Award
Summer 7-14-2023
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Respiratory Therapy
First Advisor
Douglas S. Gardenhire
Second Advisor
Robert B. Murray
Third Advisor
Kyle Brandenberger
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Tobacco use is a global health concern that results in millions of deaths annually. This study focuses on Saudi Arabian respiratory therapy students in the Western region to assess smoking prevalence, secondhand smoke exposure, smoking cessation education, and perceptions of smoking cessation. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the smoking prevalence among Saudi respiratory therapy students in the Western region, their exposure to secondhand smoke, smoking cessation education, and their perceptions of the positive effects of quitting smoking. Methods: Using a descriptive exploratory methodology, this study collected data on smoking prevalence, secondhand smoke exposure, and attempts to quit smoking among students. The Global Health Professional Students Survey (GHPSS) was employed as the survey instrument. Results: The results indicate that the prevalence of cigarette smoking among male respiratory therapy students was 52%, while it was lower among females at 3.7%. The study also revealed high rates of exposure to secondhand smoke in public settings (52%), whereas exposure at home was relatively low (28%). This emphasizes the importance of enforcing smoking bans in public spaces to safeguard individuals from the effects of secondhand smoke. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the smoking prevalence, secondhand smoke exposure, smoking cessation education, and perceptions of smoking cessation among Saudi Arabian respiratory therapy students in the Western region. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address smoking behaviors among students. Additionally, the study reveals the importance of creating smoke-free environments, as the rates of exposure to secondhand smoke in public settings were alarmingly high.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/35826100
Recommended Citation
Alharbi, Abdulrahman, "Evaluation of Smoking Prevalence, Secondhand Smoke Exposure, and Perceptions of Smoking Cessation among Respiratory Therapy Students in Saudi Arabia." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2023.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/35826100
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