Systematic Review on International Practices in Controlling Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking

Guat Hiong Tee,Gurpreet Kaur,Awang Bulgiba,Pathma Devi Veerasingam,Noran N Hairi,Wan Yuen Choo,Fauziah Nordin,Ying Ying Chan

doi:10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.9.3659

Abstract

Waterpipe tobacco smoking has becoming popular especially among young people worldwide. Smokers are attracted by its sweeter, smoother smoke, social ambience and the misconception of reduced harm. The objective of this study was to systematically review the effects of waterpipe tobacco policies and practices in reducing its prevalence. A systematic review was conducted electronically using the PubMed, OVID, Science Direct, Proquest and Embase databases. All possible studies from 1980 to 2013 were initially screened based on titles and abstracts. The selected articles were subjected to data extraction and quality rating. Three studies met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for this review. Almost all of the waterpipe tobacco products and its accessories did not comply with the regulations on health warning labelling practices as stipulated under Article 11 of WHO FCTC. In addition, the grisly new warning labels for cigarettes introduced by Food and Drug Administration did not affect hookah tobacco smoking generally. Indoor air quality in smoking lounges was found to be poor and some hookah lounges were operated without smoke shop certification. Our findings revealed the availability of minimal information on the practices in controlling waterpipe smoking in reducing its prevalence. The lack of comprehensive legislations or practices in controlling waterpipe smoking warrants further research and policy initiatives to curb this burgeoning global epidemic, especially among the vulnerable younger population.

Highlights

Waterpipe (WP) smoking is gaining its popularity in the Middle East region but worldwide (Cobb et al, 2010; Maziak, 2011)
Our findings revealed the availability of minimal information on the practices in controlling waterpipe smoking in reducing its prevalence
Results of individual studies Nakkash and Khalil (2010) conducted a study on 74 waterpipe tobacco products; 39 from Lebanon and 35 from other countries (Dubai, Palestine, Syrian Arab Republic, Jordan, Bahrain, Canada, Germany, and South Africa). They found that almost all of the waterpipe tobacco products did not complied with the regulations on health warning labelling practices as stipulated under Article 11 of WHO FCTC (World Health Organization, 2003) with the exception of Germany, Palestine and South Africa

Summary

Introduction

Waterpipe (WP) smoking is gaining its popularity in the Middle East region but worldwide (Cobb et al, 2010; Maziak, 2011). A study conducted among Jordanian university students showed a high prevalence (42.7%) of current waterpipe smoking (Azab et al, 2010). Waterpipe tobacco smoking has becoming popular especially among young people worldwide. The objective of this study was to systematically review the effects of waterpipe tobacco policies and practices in reducing its prevalence. Almost all of the waterpipe tobacco products and its accessories did not comply with the regulations on health warning labelling practices as stipulated under Article 11 of WHO FCTC. Conclusions: Our findings revealed the availability of minimal information on the practices in controlling waterpipe smoking in reducing its prevalence. The lack of comprehensive legislations or practices in controlling waterpipe smoking warrants further research and policy initiatives to curb this burgeoning global epidemic, especially among the vulnerable younger population

Methods

Results

Conclusion