Perceptions of Waterpipe Smoking among Young Adults: A Phenomenological Study

Amraj Dhillon,Vishal Aggarwal,Tim Doran

doi:10.3390/dj8040134

Abstract

Background: Waterpipe tobacco smoking is becoming increasingly popular in the West among young people. Given the associated health risks of this behaviour, we aimed to investigate why young adults take up waterpipe tobacco smoking and their attitudes to the associated risks. Methods: This was a qualitative study, with a phenomenological perspective. Focus groups and face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted among waterpipe smokers aged 20–30 years living in London, UK. Transcripts were analysed using constant comparison and cycling between the data and analysis. Data collection continued until thematic saturation was achieved. Results: Sixteen smokers attended focus groups and face-to-face interviews. Seven main themes emerged encompassing four main dimensions relating to: lack of knowledge, perceived risk, affordability, and social addiction. Waterpipe was perceived to be safer than cigarette smoking due to the pleasant odour, fruity flavours, and belief that water filtered the toxins. The waterpipe had become a “social addiction” enhancing group atmosphere, was cheap and did not have the dangers of violence or hallucinations associated with other addictions like alcohol and drugs. Because of their intermittent smoking patterns and the lack of statutory warnings, none felt they were not at risk of any adverse side effects. Conclusions: Waterpipe smoking is a growing public health problem; the social environment associated with its use is perceived to be a positive outlet by smokers who do not consider it harmful to their health. These perceptions need to be addressed urgently by anti-smoking policies.

Highlights

In 2015, the World Health Organization advised that waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) is detrimental to health and it is not a safer form of tobacco use than cigarette smoking [1]
This combination may be driving the rapid increase in waterpipe smoking in the UK, threatening to undermine the public health gains made over recent decades on reducing cigarette use
The relevance of these findings cannot be overlooked when trends are demonstrating that WTS may have overtaken cigarettes as the method of choice for smoking tobacco among the young adult population in the UK [3]

Summary

Introduction

In 2015, the World Health Organization advised that waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) is detrimental to health and it is not a safer form of tobacco use than cigarette smoking [1]. The waterpipe had become a “social addiction” enhancing group atmosphere, was cheap and did not have the dangers of violence or hallucinations associated with other addictions like alcohol and drugs Because of their intermittent smoking patterns and the lack of statutory warnings, none felt they were not at risk of any adverse side effects. Conclusions: Waterpipe smoking is a growing public health problem; the social environment associated with its use is perceived to be a positive outlet by smokers who do not consider it harmful to their health. These perceptions need to be addressed urgently by anti-smoking policies

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion