Respiratory Health and Underlying Tobacco Use Motives Among Cigarette Smokers and Hubble-Bubble Pipe Consumers: A Comparative Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Tobacco use, whether through hubble-bubble pipes or conventional cigarettes, poses significant risks to respiratory health. Purpose Researchers aimed to assess the respiratory health and underlying tobacco use motives among hubble-bubble pipe consumers and cigarette smokers. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study involved 340 smokers from Pakistan. A self-administered questionnaire included demographic-related questions and two validated tools, i.e. Questionnaire for Ease of Cough and Sputum Clearance and Tobacco Motives Inventory. Data analysis utilized SPSS involving descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney U test, and Kruskal Wallis tests. Results In comparison to hubble-bubble pipe consumers, cigarette smokers had significantly poor respiratory health (p = .001, median = 8 vs. 10). Moreover, cigarette smokers reported higher social, self-enhancement, boredom relief, and affect regulation motives (p < .001). Respiratory health was also significantly different across gender, age, qualification, occupational status, marital status, lifestyle, and family history of smoking. Tobacco motives differed across gender, age, qualification, occupational status, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and family history. Discussion Although hubble-bubble pipe consumers reported lower respiratory health issues, consuming it is still a critical health concern. Translation to Health Education Practice Planning targeted education programs and interventions could address the underlying motives of tobacco consumption and thus can effectively improve respiratory health and promote smoking cessation.