The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Smokers’ Behavior in Jordan

Abstract

Objective: COVID-19 pandemic affected smokers’ behavior globally. Our objective was to explore changes in smokers’ behavior in Jordan during the pandemic by studying changes in smoking intensity and purchase of smoking products, and by assessing participants’ knowledge and perception of COVID-19. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study where convenience sampling was used. An electronic questionnaire was distributed on social media. We included current smokers, aged 18 years or older, living in Jordan at the time of participating in the study. We gathered personal information and smoking history. We assessed the participants’ knowledge about COVID-19 and the change in their smoking behavior and thoughts and attempts to quit smoking. Results: total of 767 participants were included; the majority, 526 (68.6%), were 18-25 years old. 358 (46.7%) have been smokers for one to five years; the predominantly used smoking product was cigarettes (60.1%). Regarding daily smoking behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, 236 (30.8%) participants increased their daily smoking behavior, mainly due to anxiety followed by boredom and staying at home; 241 (31.6%) decreased it due to health concerns about self or others. Intentions of quitting smoking were reported by (51.1%), but only (9.6%) genuinely quit. Compli-ance with the COVID-19 protection guidelines was significantly associated with age and gender variables (P < 0.05) as well as change in daily smoking frequency (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Most smokers either had similar or increased daily smoking frequency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly half of the participants intended to quit smoking, and most smokers were compliant with recommended guidelines for COVID-19 infection prevention.