Waterpipe Smoking in Health-Care Students: Prevalence, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Motives

Waterpipe (hookah) smoking is a form of tobacco smoking that is noticeably increasing worldwide, particularly among young adults. A growing body of literature indicates that college students may not be as knowledgeable as they should be in making decisions about waterpipe smoking.

This study evaluated the prevalence, knowledge, and attitudes regarding waterpipe smoking use among college-based health-care students.

Two instruments were found to be appropriate to the study, and permission was obtained to modify usage in this specific study. Three hundred nineteen college-based health-care students were asked to participate and complete a questionnaire. Data were analyzed by using statistical software.

Respondents used or tried waterpipe smoking before (n = 156 [49%]). Many respondents were able to identify health hazards that might result from waterpipe smoking, but 58% (n = 187) believed that cigarette smoking was more harmful than waterpipe smoking. Chi-square tests revealed significant differences between age groups (P = .029) and program of study (P = .01) but no differences among sex (P = .76), ethnicity (P = .19), or educational status (P = .65).

This study showed that waterpipe smoking was common but not widespread among this group of health-care students. Their knowledge of the risks and health-related attitudes toward waterpipe smoking was lacking. Many had misinformation and misconceptions when comparing waterpipe smoking versus cigarette smoking. Further studies are needed to fully understand the reasons for waterpipe smoking among health-care students. Also, there is a need to offer educational campaigns that increase students' knowledge and awareness as well as to correct misinformation that can lead to misguided beliefs and attitudes.