Hookah Use Among College Students: Recent Use, Knowledge of Health Risks, Attitude and Reasons for Use

Abstract

Notwithstanding the efforts of health educators and other health professionals regarding tobacco and smoking cessation, research indicates that hookah smoking among college students remains a health concern. Research shows an upward trend in college students' hookah use. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe potential patterns/differences in college students' hookah use, and the relations among attitudes toward and knowledge about hookah use and use of this drug. A four-page, 20-item survey was used to collect data from participants (N = 403) and to measure participants 'recent use, knowledge of health risks, attitudes and reasons for hookah use among college students. Results indicated increased prevalence rates (53.8%) among participants of this study. Participants' recent hookah use was consistent with that of current research. Study findings supports current research, which found that college students have low negative perceptions of the health risks (addictive and detrimental properties) of hookah use. Analyses also determined that college students' attitudes toward hookah was associated with use of this drug. Regarding reasons why students may use hookah, data analysis indicated statistical significance in lifetime hookah use based on reasons for use. Study provide information for health educators creating hookah risk awareness educational programs aimed at reducing rates of hookah smoking among college students.

Who Are the Hookah Smokers Among the Israeli Young Adults Population? Associated Socio-Demographic and Health Related Factors

“…Other studies also confi rm that hookah smoking is mainly associated to the population of students in colleges and universities (Krenik-Matejcek et al, 2017;Awan et al, 2017), as around 32% of students reported on smoking, with a similar rate found between male and female students (33% and 34%, respectively) ( Krenik-Matejcek et al, 2017;Fevrier et al, 2018). In addition, fi ndings from the research of Salloum et al (2017) that reported on hookah usage rates in all demographic segments among young adults (18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24), show that the rates of hookah smoking were lower among M.A.…”

Percepção sobre uso de substâncias psicoativas em estudantes universitários: uma revisão integrativa

“…Na realidade brasileira, em uma pesquisa que comparou estudantes que não tinham o hábito de beber excessivamente com aqueles que o tinham, estes apresentaram maiores escores em testes que identificam transtornos relacionados ao álcool, além de apresentarem percepção reduzida a respeito da negatividade das consequências, apesar destas estarem presentes (Bedendo, Andrade, Opaleye & Noto, 2017). De modo semelhante, há estudos que evidenciam a existência de uma percepção, por parte dos estudantes universitários, de baixo risco em relação ao hábito de fumar narguilé e apontam para a importân-cia da prevenção ao uso (Fevrier, Nabors, Vidourek & King, 2018).…”

Acute and long-term effects of water pipe smoking on the respiratory system: A narrative review

“…[17] A recent study from the United States found that college students have low negative perceptions of the health risks (addictive and detrimental properties) of hookah use. [18] A very recent systematic review that addressed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward water pipe tobacco smoking among college or university students found several reasons for initiation of water pipe smoking among this group, including curiosity, peer/social influence, wanting to overcome the social anxiety, a belief that water pipe smoking is popular among peers or is a socially acceptable form of tobacco smoking that retains a certain prestige, and the belief that it is more socially acceptable than cigarettes. Among the most common reasons associated with continued water pipe smoking were the opportunity to socialize; the opportunity to be fun, pleasurable, attractive, and relaxing; media portrayal; and the belief that water pipe smoking is less harmful than cigarette smoking.…”