Comparing cigarette smoking knowledge and attitudes among smokers and non-smokers

Smoking prevalence in Lebanon was reported by the World Health Organization to be 43%, which is among the highest rates in the Arab nation. The objectives of this study were to assess cigarette smoking knowledge and attitude among smokers and non-smokers using validated scales in the Lebanese general population and evaluate their association with current cigarette smoking; a secondary objective is to assess the dose effect relationship of knowledge and attitude with cumulative smoking. This cross-sectional took place between May and December 2018, and enrolled a sample of 2623 participants, representative from all Lebanese governorates. A questionnaire about knowledge of the harmful effects of tobacco and attitude toward smoking bans retrieved from other studies was used to collect data. Male gender (ORa = 0.75), having a low monthly income (ORa = 1.56) and a higher passive smoking score (ORa = 1.25), were significantly associated with higher odds of being current smokers. Higher knowledge score (ORa = 0.97) and positive attitude toward smoking ban score (ORa = 0.94) were significantly associated with lower odds of being current smokers. In addition, increased age (ß = 15.21) and higher passive smoking score (ß = 26.58) were significantly associated with higher cumulative cigarette smoking. More positive attitude toward smoking ban score (ß = - 6.51) and having a university degree (ß = - 68.35) were significantly associated with lower cumulative cigarette smoking. Higher knowledge about the smoking-related health problems and better attitudes toward smoking ban were observed among non-smokers compared to smokers. It is important to increase awareness campaigns and to propose effective interventions to put in place an adequate culture of smoking cessation among the general population.