The U.S.-based Foundation for a Smoke-Free World's State of Smoking in 2018 report indicated that 57.5% of Lebanese males who are 18 years or older and 48.4% of Lebanese females are smokers. The share of smokers among males and females in Lebanon is the highest across the 13 countries that the survey covered. The study aims to understand smokers' experiences and challenges, analyze their awareness about the impact of smoking on their health, and assess the perceptions of risk and influence on choices. It is based on a survey of 17,000 participants in 13 countries worldwide, as well as on a qualitative assessment from focus groups that provides additional insights. The foundation commissioned the consulting and research agency Kantar Public to conduct the poll in the 13 countries. 

In parallel, the survey showed that 68% of surveyed smokers in Lebanon said that they smoke every time they drink coffee or tea, the second highest such share among the 13 countries; while 63% smoke after a meal, the fifth highest such percentage, and 58% are tempted to smoke every time they see people smoking around them, the highest such share among covered countries. In comparison, 91% of surveyed smokers in Greece smoke every time they drink coffee or tea, 84% smoke after a meal and 76% smoke when having an alcoholic drink, while 64% of surveyed smokers in South Africa smoke after a meal, 59% smoke a few minutes after waking up and 49% smoke when having an alcoholic drink. 

Also, 95% of surveyed smokers in Lebanon and 80% of non-smokers in the country said that they have close friends who smoke. The share of smokers and non-smokers in Lebanon who have close friends who smoke is the highest among the 13 countries.