Social and substance use correlates of adult hookah use, 2016

Abstract

IntroductionHookah prevalence has been increasing in U.S. adults. This study examines correlates and frequency of hookah use in a national sample of U.S. adults (18–44years). MethodsData were drawn from Wave 10 (October 2016) respondents aged 18–44years from the Truth Initiative Young Adult Cohort Study (n=4085). Weighted bivariate analyses were used to estimate correlates and frequency of hookah use, and differences between past 30-day and non-current hookah users on social and substance use (alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs) correlates. ResultsTwenty percent of the sample ever used hookah, and 2% used hookah in the past 30days. Compared to never users and non-current users, a significantly greater proportion of ever and past 30-day hookah users reported past 30-day e-cigarette, tobacco, and substance use (p's<0.01). Eighty-one percent of past 30-day hookah users had at least one close friend who also used hookah, and 35% self-identified as social/occasional smokers. The majority (68%) of past 30-day users reported hookah use on fewer than five of the past 30days, and 58% engaged in two or more hookah sessions on those days. ConclusionsEver and past 30-day hookah use are associated with concurrent tobacco, e-cigarette, and substance use. They are also correlated with peer hookah use and self-identification as a social/occasional smoker. Even infrequent hookah sessions can expose users to health risks. Research identifying contexts in which hookah is used and how it is used with other substances is needed to inform interventions to reduce hookah use.