Estimates of the Prevalence of Tobacco Smoking in Egypt

The use of tobacco products constitutes the leading cause of preventable deaths in the world. In Egypt, data on the national prevalence of cigarette and waterpipe smoking are lacking, yet such data are vital to tobacco control efforts. We designed and implemented a sampling method to generate population-based prevalence estimates for tobacco smoking in Egypt. In 2005, a total of 3369 adults ages 18 and above, including 1867 females and 1502 males, participated in the survey. Among males, the national prevalence of former cigarette smoking was 18.1%, and 27.5% reported current smoking. Exclusive current waterpipe smoking was reported by 7.2% of adult males, and a further 3.4% reported smoking both waterpipes and cigarettes. Tobacco smoking was rarely reported by females; among them the national prevalence of current cigarette smoking was 0.3%. This study produced the first robust estimate of the national prevalence of cigarette and waterpipe smoking in Egypt based on a rigorous probability sample. Along with the more recent Global Adult Tobacco Survey, carried out by the World Health Organization in 2009, the results will be useful in assessing smoking trends in Egypt and in evaluating the impacts of recent tobacco control laws.