A Multiyear Survey of Waterpipe and Cigarette Smoking on a US University Campus

Abstract

Objectives To examine the prevalence and characteristics of dual users of cigarettes and waterpipes by comparing them to individuals who use either product exclusively. Participants Cross-sections of undergraduate students at a public university recruited each spring semester from 2006–2011 (total N=2998). Methods Participants completed an internet survey that assessed demographics, tobacco use, perceptions, and norms concerning various tobacco products. Individuals who reported exclusive cigarette, exclusive waterpipe, and dual (waterpipe+cigarette) use were examined. Results Across years, 22% reported exclusive cigarette, 6.1% exclusive waterpipe, and 9.3% dual cigarette and waterpipe use. Dual users differed in demographics and social influences from their exclusive counterparts. Conclusions Findings suggest dual waterpipe and cigarette use was more prevalent than exclusive waterpipe use, and dual users may differ from individuals who use either product alone. These results warrant the inclusion of waterpipe specific content in state and national surveys as well as tobacco prevention and intervention efforts.

Abstinence rates among college cigarette smokers enrolled in a randomized clinical trial evaluating Quit and Win contests: The impact of concurrent hookah use

“…Each year in age decreased the odds that participants were dual users of hookah and cigarettes by approximately 20% (Jarrett et al, 2012). Previous research also supports our findings that males are more likely than females to be hookah and cigarette users (Cobb et al, 2012; Jarrett et al, 2012). Hookah users in our sample averaged more drinking days and were more likely to binge drink.…”

“…Further, hookah users had more social influence to smoke cigarettes when compared to cigarette only smokers. Cobb and colleagues found that hookah users were more likely to report being influenced by friends to smoke hookah and were more likely to perceive peers who smoked hookah as “cool” or “very cool” (Cobb et al, 2012). …”

Young adult waterpipe smokers: Smoking behaviors and associated subjective and physiological effects

“…Waterpipe smoking is becoming the most common type of tobacco smoking after cigarettes among U.S. young adults (Cobb, Khader, Nasim, & Eissenberg, 2012; Primack et al, 2008, 2013). Reports have shown a 40% increase from 2005 to 2008 (Smith et al, 2011).…”

“…Additionally, substantial proportions (6–41%) of current waterpipe smokers do not report the use of other tobacco products (Cobb et al, 2012; Primack et al, 2013). As such, waterpipe smoking is affecting a population of otherwise nicotine-naïve individuals who might not have initiated tobacco use without waterpipes.…”

Antecedents of University Students' Hookah Smoking Intention

“…13 A longitudinal study of US colleges found that hookah-smoking rates were increasing regardless of one's other smoking sta-tus (eg, cigarettes). 19 In the National Adult Tobacco Survey, college students had the greatest prevalence of hookah smokers by age at 7.8% compared to overall rates of 1.5%. 20 Further distinguishing it as an increasingly important public health issue is its growing popularity among high school students with some studies reporting current hookah use rates of 7.7%, 21 10.9%, 22 30.2% 23 and 11.4% 24 respectively -comparable to those of university students, indicating a need for prevention and intervention initiatives.…”