[01] Taryam M. M. O., Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. [02] Al Faisal W., Health Affairs Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. [03] Hussein H. Y., Health Affairs Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. [04] Suliman E. A., Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. [05] Al Janahi T., Dubai Statistics Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. [06] AlSalaq A. A., Dubai Statistics Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. [07] Wasfy A. S., Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Background: Tobacco, the foremost public health enemy, is the single most preventable cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Tobacco use is shifting from the developed world to developing countries, especially low- and middle-income Arab countries. Objectives: To study the prevalence rate of tobacco use and passive smoking among different age groups in Dubai, and identify determinants related to socio-demographic characteristics, duration of smoking, number of cigarette, nationality. Methodology: Dubai Household Health Survey was conducted in 2014 as a Cross-sectional, multistage, stratified, Cluster survey. Houses were visited to obtain detailed information on the different health-related issues. According to Dubai Statistical center, the total population of Dubai at the end of 2014 was 2327350 (males 1613175, females 714175) (UAE 212000, Expatriates 2115350). Individuals aged ≥18 years were investigated for the history of smoking in relation to socio demographic distribution and history of exposure to passive smoking. Tobacco use questions of the questionnaire were asked to 3716 persons. Data were entered to the computer using Excel sheet and analyzed using SPSS 21. Results: The study revealed that overall proportion of current smoker (daily and not daily) was 21.9% (it was 24.8% for males and 4.3% for females). Most current smokers were actually daily smoker and the proportion of non-daily smoker in men was only 7.8%. The study showed that the duration of smoking in the surveyed population was 20 years and more in 18.9% of cases. The use of manufactured cigarette in survey population was the dominant feature. 23% of the respondents smoke 20 cigarettes and more per day. Age of initiation of smoking in the adult population was less than 20 years in 59.4% of cases. The current study reflected that about 7% of the respondents were passive smokers. Conclusion: Tobacco use constituted a real public health problem as about one fifth of general population was current-users of tobacco. Tobacco use commonly initiated at earlier age groups early as 10 years and passive smoking were found to be not uncommon phenomena. Tobacco-use prevention national education program should be provided with especially focusing on earlier age groups and victims of passive. Tobacco use public health intervention strategy needs to be designed to handling risks at different levels. Policies, legislations and advocacy are significantly essential strategies.

Tobacco Use, Dubai Population, Household Survey

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