smoking and the arabic community

The following information about the Arabic community is provided on the basis of anecdotal feedback from the community and/or community surveys and questionnaires.

Both Arabic men and women smoke heavily although smoking is more prevalent among men. A recent survey of the Arabic community in Sydney (Australia) found that 55% of Arabic men and women smoke.

Many Arabic men cite the hardships brought about war, the stress of migration, the difficulty of finding a job and concern for their families overseas as reasons for becoming a heavy smoker. Smoking is also a seen as a sign of maturity for Arabic men, it's part of the male macho image, a symbol of independence and manhood, 'You are a man if you smoke and drink'.

Smoking among older Arabic women is not common and older people frown upon women who smoke - it's a shameful act. It is still considered inappropriate for young Arabic people to smoke openly in front of their parents or elderly people, but there is a growing tendency for young people, including women to ignore 'proper' behaviour.

Women who have migrated to Australia and are feeling isolated tend to smoke more heavily. Young women also believe that smoking will help keep their weight down.

In the Arabic community, cigarettes are offered as gifts to guests. Tobacco smoking is socially acceptable and a central component of Arabic culture. The health risks of smoking are often not acknowledged as the tradition of tobacco smoking has been passed on from generation to generation and many cite elders who lived to 80 and smoked.

The Arabic community is also part of the Islamic community. The religion of Islam forbids anything, which is harmful to the body, including smoking, which is 'haram'. However, in practice, smoking seems to be excepted. In June 1999, Muslim religious leaders in Dubai urged smokers to quit as smoking is a violation of Islamic law. The leaders used Islam's holy book, the Koran, citing texts that if smokers did not stop smoking, they risked 'leaving Islam'.

During the holy time of Ramadan, Muslims are expected to fast during daylight including abstaining from smoking. Ramadan lasts for one month and is a good time to promote quitting among Arabic communities using the resolution 'If you can quit for Ramadan, you can quit for good'.
References

1. Jukic, A., Pino, N. & Flaherty, B., 1996, Alcohol and other drug use, attitudes and knowledge amongst Arabic-speakers in Sydney, Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC), Drug and Alcohol Directorate, NSW
2. Community feedback
3. Cultural Perspectives Pty Ltd., 1998, Non-English communication strategy: research report
4. International Agency on Tobacco and Health (IATH) Bulletin, No. 92, July 1999