Hookah use among New Jersey youth: associations and changes over time.

Abstract

To assess hookah use among youth for prevalence, associations, and changes over time. Data from the 2008 and 2010 New Jersey Youth Tobacco Survey were analyzed to examine hookah smoking by gender, race/ethnicity, and grade level. Prevalence of hookah use increased significantly among black and Hispanic students. Frequency of use was generally occasional. In multivariate models, Asian race; Hispanic ethnicity; and concurrent use of cigarettes, cigars, and bidis predicted current hookah smoking. Prevalence of hookah use is rising among New Jersey's youth, particularly among minority populations, representing a growing public health concern.