Understanding Attitudes, Beliefs, and Information Seeking Regarding Hookah Smoking in Parents of College Students: An Exploratory Qualitative Pilot Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hookah smoking has become increasingly common among young adults in the United States. College students engage in hookah smoking due to the increased exposure and popularity of hookah bars surrounding college campuses. There is limited information on parental perceptions of college students' hookah smoking. METHODS: Forty-four telephone interviews were recorded and transcribed with parents of college students using a structured interview guide to explore perceptions, beliefs, behaviors, and information seeking regarding hookah smoking. The transcripts were coded and categorized using NVivo software, and emerging themes were uncovered. RESULTS: Parents were lacking in awareness and knowledge of hookah smoking and health consequences. They often equated hookah smoking with bong use from their own college experiences. Although negative effects were equated with cigarette smoking, some parents reported beneficial effects of hookah smoking. Some parents disapproved of their college students smoking hookah, whereas others felt it was important that they try new behaviors in moderation. The varying responses indicate that parents were not receiving consistent messages, if any, regarding hookah tobacco smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Informing parents of current novel risky behaviors such as hookah smoking is necessary as they are trusted sources of information for young adult children. Delivering information and educational messages to both students and their parents may be a worthy approach when developing campaigns to deter hookah smoking. There is a need to deter hookah smoking, as it remains a public health concern.

Reasons for use, potential use, or discontinued use of hookah among US young adult college students

“…In terms of race/ethnicity, Blacks were more likely to be current or former hookah users compared to other races. Hookah use is common among racial/ethnic groups where it is a cultural pastime, like the Arab populations, but it is on the rise among other racial groups in the United States 45 . Disparities among hookah use warrant further study, with particular attention to culture, race, and ethnicity, to tailor smoking interventions.…”

Parents, Teach Your Children Well

“…More research, more data from national surveys, more public policy to regulate hookah use, and targeted campaigns to educate and inform the public are needed. Calvanese et al 3 have addressed an important research gap and demonstrated in a small sample of parents a lack of awareness and a naivety about their college-age children's hookah use. They have suggested using targeted educational strategies for communities, parents, and students and additional research to further explore parental knowledge and attitudes in larger populations.…”