Abstract
Hookah smoking is a growing young adult phenomenon, particularly among college students. Many users feel that it is safer than other tobacco products, although its health threats are well documented. Little is known about hookah use rates in community colleges that are attended by nearly half of all US college students. This study examined hookah use in a diverse convenience sample of students attending two southern California community colleges. In fall 2011, a cross-sectional, in-classroom survey was administered to 1,207 students. A series of fully adjusted multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to explore demographic, other substance use, and attitudinal correlates of lifetime and current hookah use. Lifetime hookah use (56%) was higher than lifetime cigarette use (49%). Gender and personal socioeconomic status were not related to hookah use. Current use (10.8%) was associated with current use of alcohol, cigars, and cigarettes. Compared to African-Americans, Whites were 2.9 times more likely to be current users, and students who perceive hookah to be more socially acceptable were 21 times more likely to currently use. Since hookah use rates are high, colleges should offer health education programs to inform incoming students about the health risks of hookah and cessation programs.
Highlights
IntroductionMost commonly referred to as hookah in the United States, is a growing youth phenomenon, among college students
Waterpipe tobacco smoking, most commonly referred to as hookah in the United States, is a growing youth phenomenon, among college students
Participants and Procedures In fall 2011, a cross-sectional in-classroom survey with 67 questions on hookah and other substance use behaviors and attitudes was administered to a convenience sample of adult community college students enrolled in a required general education class in one of two participating community colleges in the Inland Empire region of southern California
Summary
Most commonly referred to as hookah in the United States, is a growing youth phenomenon, among college students. Because it is used mostly intermittently as a social pastime, its health threats are often minimized, with many perceiving it as safer than cigarette smoking (Abughosh, Wu, Peters, Essien, & Crutchley, 2011; Sutfin, McCoy, Reboussin, Wagoner, Spangler & Wolfson, 2011). The hookah user inhales cool (water-filtered) smoke via the hose (Prignot, Sasco, Poulet, Gupta, & Aditama, 2008). Conclusion: Since hookah use rates are high, colleges should offer health education programs to inform incoming students about the health risks of hookah and cessation programs
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