Female University Students’ Experiences of Hookah Smoking: Cool Habit and Non-predictable Imminent Consequences and Risks

Abstract

Background: There are debates on the risk and harm of Hookah smoking among university students. There is a dearth of studies describing students’ experiences, causative factors and consequences of Hookah smoking among female university students. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of adopting Hookah smoking among female university students. Methods: A descriptive qualitative design was used for this study. A purposive sample of 14 female university students participated through face-toface interviews. Results: The study results included six main themes: Hookah smoking is cool and entertaining; attracting factors for Hookah smoking; Hookah smoking versus cigarette smoking; socio-cultural acceptance of female Hookah smoking; imminent hazardous consequences of Hookah smoking; strategies to combat Hookah smoking among female students. Conclusion: Hookah smoking has become culturally accepted by female university students. Serious attention and initiatives should be considered to enhance female internal awareness to prevent peer pressure to start Hookah smoking. This habit started at home, became accepted by parents and is now accepted in public places. Therefore, it is crucial to implement culturally competent interventions to combat Hookah smoking in private and public places. Implications for Nursing: Nurses and policy makers should address the triggering factors for increased Hookah smoking among adults. Nurses should use effective approaches for combating Hookah smoking in different community settings. Also, they should conduct and implement culturally competent preventive programs to combat Hookah smoking in different settings and among all age groups, specifically university and school students, and enhance their awareness. Additionally, it is significant to enforce legislations and policies for the prevention of Hookah smoking among adults. Keywords: Hookah, Smoking, Female, University, Students, Cigarettes.