Introduction: Smoking is a major avoidable cardiovascular risk factor and is a cause of premature
death worldwide. Objectives: To study the prevalence, pattern, and awareness of health hazards of smoking among
Libyan diabetic male patients in Tripoli Medical Center, Tripoli, Libya. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional, clinic-based study using a predesigned questionnaire, the participants
were interviewed by the author. The interview covered personal data, and questions
about their smoking status, and their awareness of smoking hazards. Results: The overall prevalence of current smoking was 26.4% and past smoking 40.3%. The mean
age was 50.8 ± 14.4 years (range 18–75 years). The mean age at which smoking started
was 18.6 ± 5.3 years; all current smokers were cigarette smokers. Main reason for
quitting smoking was related to health issues while social and religious considerations
were the main reasons for never smoking. Conclusions: The prevalence of smoking among Libyan diabetic patients was high; this calls for
incorporating smoking cessation services within the diabetes care clinics.
Key-words:
Cessation - diabetes - initiation - Libya - smoking
