Prevalence Of Waterpipe Smoking Research Articles

Prevalence of, and perceptions regarding water pipe smoking amongst college students in Johannesburg, South Africa

Background: Water pipe tobacco smoking has similar health risks as other forms of tobacco use, such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease and lung cancer, decreased pulmonary function, as well as various other oral diseases. Because there are perceptions among young people that its health effects are less harmful, its use in this group is reportedly high, though its prevalence is not known. This study purposed to determine the prevalence and perceptions of water pipe smoking amongst Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students in Johannesburg, South Africa.Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted among the students. Using the STATA statistical software, bivariate analysis was used to calculate the prevalence of water pipe smoking, and the chi square test was used to explore associations between socio-demographic variables and water pipe smoking. The quantitative questions on perceptions were analysed using summary statistics.Results: A total of 479 TVET students, 57.8% females and 42.2% males, with a mean age of 22 participated in the study. The prevalence of water pipe smoking was 61.6%, with more males compared to female students (70.8% vs 54.9%) using the pipe. More than half (62.2%) have a false perception regarding the health risks of water pipe smoking.Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of water pipe smoking and false perceptions about the health risks of water pipe smoking amongst TVET college students. Thus, the current Tobacco policy should be amended to include the regulation of water pipe smoking as well as increased health education about the dangers of smoking water pipe.

The Burden and Correlates of Waterpipe (Hookah) Smoking among Adolescents and Youth: A Systematic Review

Background This systematic review evaluated the available medical literature on the prevalence and trends of waterpipe tobacco smoking among adolescents and youth in jurisdictionally representative populations. Methods PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched for relevant studies from inception until 31 December 2022 that reported the burden of waterpipe smoking among adolescents and youth (10–24 years of age). We extracted qualitative data on the demographic characteristics, burden, and correlates of waterpipe smoking (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022310982). Results A total of 2,197 articles were screened and 62 were included in the analysis. The majority (29) of the studies was from the United States of America and there were no studies from the south-east Asian region. The prevalence of ever waterpipe smoking among the 10–24 years age group was noted to be 18.16% (95% CI, 18.03–18.29). The prevalence of current (30-day) waterpipe smoking was 6.43% (95% CI, 6.34–6.50). The age of initiation of waterpipe smoking was variable. The prevalence of waterpipe smoking was higher among males, among those who belong to the high- and middle-income groups, and among university students. The common risk factors of waterpipe smoking included cigarette smoking, alcohol, and substance use. Waterpipe smoking resulted in increased susceptibility to the use of conventional forms of tobacco (e.g. smoking) among those who were never smokers. Conclusion Waterpipe smoking usage was significantly high among adolescents and young adults. Developing regulatory guidelines for water-pipe smoking, surveillance of its use, intervention, and specific policy frameworks may be considered a public health priority.

Prevalence of Waterpipe Smoking in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Considering the prevalence of waterpipe smoking (WPS) among the majority of people, it is necessary to identify the cause of this behavior. Therefore, this meta-analysis study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of waterpipe consumption in Iran based on province, education level, and gender subgroups. Materials and Methods: The search was conducted based on the PRISMA guideline. Scopus PubMed, SID, and Irandoc databases were used to retrieve papers related to the prevalence of WPS in Iran from January 1, 2005 to May 10, 2022. The keywords were "air pollution" OR "particulate matter" OR "water-pipe" OR smoking OR "Indoor air" and "Prevalence" OR "Incidence" AND "Iran". The prevalence of WPS was meta-analyzed based on province, gender, and education level subgroups in the random effects model. Results: According to the final included papers (17 articles and 48 data reports), the rank order of provinces based on the prevalence of WPS was Kerman (58.30%)>Tehran (52.38%)>Sistan and Baluchistan (42.29%)>Hormozgan (30.69%)>Yazd (24.13%)>Bushehr (19.47%)>Ardabil (19.00%)>Fars (16.37%)>Khuzestan (11.38%). The rank order of education level of participants based on the prevalence of WPS was college education (55.64%)>Student (43.47%)>University Student (17.69%). Finally, the rank order of gender of participants based on the prevalence of WPS was male (31.75%) ~ female (30.99%). Conclusion: The results demonstrated a high prevalence of WPS. It is a multi-predictor and multilevel phenomenon in several aspects. The impact of geographical location and education levels was clearly visible. There was no difference in the gender-specific gap for WPS. Regarding the substantial effects of WPS prevalence on health, regular surveillance, prevention, intervention, and control are necessary.

Prevalence of waterpipe smoking and its associated factors among adolescents aged 12-16 years in 73 countries/territories.

To describe the recent prevalence of, and trends in, waterpipe smoking and to examine its associated factors among adolescents aged 12-16 years in 73 countries/territories (hereafter "countries"). Data from 72 countries that had conducted a Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) in 2010-2019 and from the National Youth Tobacco Survey in the United States in 2019 were used to assess the recent prevalence of waterpipe smoking and to examine its associated factors among adolescents aged 12-16 years. Data from 38 countries that had carried out at least 2 surveys from 2000 to 2019 were used to determine trends in the prevalence of waterpipe smoking among adolescents. The recent prevalence of current waterpipe smoking (on 1 day during the past 30 days) among adolescents was 6.9% (95%CI 6.4-7.5). The prevalence was highest in the European region (10.9%, 9.9-11.8) and Eastern Mediterranean region (10.7%, 9.5-11.9), but lowest in the Western Pacific region (1.9%, 1.4-2.4). The prevalence of current waterpipe smoking increased or remained unchanged in 19 (50%) of 38 countries, but decreased in the remaining 19 countries (50%). Parental smoking, closest friends' smoking, secondhand smoke exposure, tobacco advertisement exposure, not being taught the dangers of smoking, particularly cigarette smoking, were positively associated with adolescent waterpipe smoking. Waterpipe smoking among adolescents remains a major public health issue worldwide, especially in the regions of Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. Effective prevention and control strategies and measures are needed to curb the epidemic of adolescent waterpipe smoking.

Magnitude of the smoking problem, knowledge, attitude and practice, among family members of primary school students


 Background: smoking is a very important public health problem, urgently requiring immediate and effective measures due to its harmful effect on health. The purpose of this study was to collect baseline information about the magnitude of smoking problem, knowledge, attitude, and practice among family members of primary school students in the northwest region of Iran.
 Methods: of 55 680 primary school students (the 3th, 4th and 5th grades), 7.1% (n=3 954) were selected using randomized multi-stage cluster sampling. Data collection was conducted in April, May, and June 2011, by means of a self-administered two-page questionnaire.
 Results: a total of 3 954 students (57.6% boys and 42.3% girls) with the mean age of 10.46±1.09 years were evaluated. According to our data, the prevalence of cigarette smoking among fathers was more than other family members (27.1% versus 17.8%) whereas the prevalence of water pipe smoking among fathers and other family members was almost similar (9.2% and 9.7% respectively). None of the smoking type was prevalent among mothers (cigarette: 1% and water pipe: 1.1%). Considerable numbers of all students under study had been exposed to secondhand smoke at home (cigarette: 19.8% and water pipe: 7.7%).
 Conclusions: considering our findings, two procedures recommended to prevail the problem are to provide greater education about hazards of tobacco consumption among students and their family; and to legislate new laws by officials to ban tobacco use at home.

The Prevalence of Water Pipe Smoking and Perceptions on its Addiction among University Students in Palestine, Jordan, and Turkey.

Background:Understanding the university students’ perception of Water Pipe smoking addictions and factors behind the rise in the prevalence of Water Pipe smoking will contribute effectively in the prevention strategies and policies development. Aims:Thus, this study aims to assess the prevalence of Water Pipe smoking among university students and their perceptions on its addiction in Palestine, Jordan, and Turkey, as an initial step to reduce the spread of Water Pipe smoking. Methods:An online self-structured questionnaire was administered to 2030 selected university students from Palestine, Jordan, and Turkey. Prevalence, knowledge and other related factors concerning Water Pipe smoking and its addiction were compared between university students from three Middle East countries (Palestine, Jordan, and Turkey) using SPSS software for statistical analysis. Results:The overall prevalence of Water Pipe smoking was 31.8%, less than a quarter of university students (21.7%) had ever smoked Water Pipe. The highest percentage of current Water Pipe smokers were Palestinians (36.11%), and the lowest percentage was from Turkey (20.23%). Approximately 43% of Water Pipe smokers believe that they will be addicted to Water Pipe smoking and almost half of them smoke Water Pipe daily. The highest percentage of smokers were university students 25 years old and above. However, the highest percentage of smokers was low monthly income students. The university students living with their families were smoking Water Pipe less frequently than students living in private residencies. Conclusions: The prevalence of Water Pipe smoking among university students in Palestine and Jordan was high compared to Turkey. It was believed that the Turkish rules and regulations of Water Pipe smoking limit the Water Pipe smoking in Turkey.

Prevalence of cigarette and waterpipe tobacco smoking among adults in three Eastern Mediterranean countries: a cross-sectional household survey.

ObjectivesTobacco smoking is on the rise in the Eastern Mediterranean region. In light of limited surveillance of smoking in the region, this study sought to understand the prevalence of cigarette and waterpipe smoking among adults and the factors associated with smoking in Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine (West Bank only).Design, setting and participantsHousehold surveys were conducted with participants over the age of 18 in Lebanon (n=1680), Jordan (n=1925) and Palestine (n=1679) between June and August 2019. A multistage cluster sampling approach with probability-proportional-to-size random selection method was followed in the three countries.Primary and secondary outcome measuresGender-specific prevalence rates for cigarette and waterpipe smoking were estimated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with current cigarette and waterpipe tobacco smoking.ResultsThe prevalence of cigarette smoking among males and females respectively was 48.6% and 21.5% in Lebanon, 50.4% and 9.1% in Jordan, and 53.4% and 3.1% in Palestine. The prevalence of waterpipe smoking among males and females respectively was 32.7% and 46.2% in Lebanon, 13.4% and 7.8% in Jordan, and 18.0% and 7.9% in Palestine. Cigarette smokers were significantly (p<0.05) more likely to be male, younger and with lower educational attainment across the three countries. Waterpipe smokers were more likely to be young adults across the three countries (p<0.001). They were more likely to be male in Jordan and Palestine, and more likely to be female in Lebanon.ConclusionsThe high prevalence rates of smoking in Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine are concerning. Continued surveillance is key to monitor smoking patterns and inform stronger tobacco control measures.

Prevalence of water pipe smoking and associated risk factors among female adolescents.

BACKGROUND:The prevalence of water pipe smoking is increasing among young people, but there are limited data on its use among adolescents in Iran. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of WP smoking and associated risk factors among female adolescents in Western Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This cross-sectional study was conducted in schools. It included 1302 middle school (48.1%) and high school (51.9%) female students (grades 7–12) recruited through stage random sampling and conducted in 2019 in the western city of Kermanshah, Iran. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses and descriptive statistics were executed using SPSS version 22.RESULTS:The mean (standard deviation) ages of the students and the ages when the participants started WP smoking were 15.22 ± 1.85 and 13.64 (1.64), respectively. Nearly 32.2% had a single experience of WP smoking during their lifetime and 20.4% were current consumers of WP. Most of the subjects smoked WPs at their friends’ home (45.8%) and with their friends (47.4%). The significantly important factors that affect WP smoking in these age groups are the father's and mother's occupation, family size, living with others, father's education, having a friend who smokes WPs, friends’ encouragement to smoke WP, and being in a family that smoke WPs.CONCLUSIONS:Considering the increasing popularity of WP among adolescent females and its increasing prevalence, the results showed that Water pipe smoking with friends played a key role in WP smoking among female adolescents. There is a need to design interventional studies to increase people's skills and to design and implement programs to prevent water pipe.

Prevalence, Predictors, and Characteristics of Waterpipe Smoking Among Jazan University Students in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background:Waterpipe smoking (WPS), also called shisha, has considerable short and long-term effects on human health. WPS has become increasingly popular among the youth in Jazan society. Hence, this study is aimed to assess the prevalence, predictors, and characteristics (knowledge and attitude) of WPS among male and female students at Jazan University.Methods and materials:A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 405 students. Data were collected using a self-administered validated questionnaire. The prevalence and predictors of WPS and the association between important socio-demographic factors (sex, type of college, parents smoking, home mate smoking and close friend smoking) were studied.Results:The prevalence of WPS among students was high, approximately 34.0%. The prevalence rate was significantly higher in males (42.5%, n = 74) than in females (27.0%, n = 57) (p = 0.001). The main predictors of WPS were: being male (OR = 1.99, 95% CI [1.30, 3.06], p = 0.001), believing that shisha smoking is less harmful & addictive than cigarettes (OR = 3.84, 95% CI [1.88, 7.83], p < 0.001 and 3.80, 95% CI [2.0, 7.11], p < 0.001, respectively), and having a close friend who smokes (OR = 6.85, 95% CI [3.84, 12.22], p < 0.001).Conclusions:WPS prevalence among Jazan University students was high, and the most influential factors were being male, having smoker housemates and friends, and having incorrect thoughts and beliefs.

Prevalence of water-pipe smoking and associated factors among university students in Palestine: a cross sectional study

Prevalence of water-pipe smoking and associated factors among university students in Palestine: a cross sectional study

Prevalence of Cigarette and “Waterpipe” Smoking among “Duhok Universities” Students

Tobacco use is considered one of the largest public health threats facing the world. Waterpipe smoking (WPS) is a customary and cultural method of tobacco consumption in many parts of the world. This study aimed to find the prevalence of smoking among Duhok city University students in Iraq and to assess students’ knowledge regarding smoking. A cross-sectional, self-completed questionnaire-based study was conducted at four Universities in Duhok city. According to the study’s objectives, scientific and literature colleges from each university are selected. The selection of the number of enrolled colleges and departments is proportionate with total university students’ number. The colleges and departments are selected by a simple random sampling method. Descriptive and analytic statistical tools (SPSS-23) were used to assess significant associations. Chi-square test association is used to compare between proportions. The prevalence of cigarette smoking was 23.5% among studied students (41.9% among males and 6.8% among females), and the prevalence of WPS was 33.2% (56.7% among males and 11.8% among females). There is a significant correlation between cigarette smoking and WPS. Most of the students in this study were not well aware of the most harmful effects of smoking. There was a highly statistically significant association between cigarette and WPS. Smoking in males is more prevalent than females. Inclusion of a detailed and separate course in the university curriculum regarding tobacco control and the effects of smoking on health should be made compulsory. This course must be started from the 1st year of academic courses till the time of graduation or conducting health education and extensive counseling on the harmful effect of smoking for all university students.

Using Social Cognitive Theory to Investigate the Risk Factors of Waterpipe Smoking among Southeastern Iranian Adolescents

Background: Explaining the risk factors of waterpipe smoking (WS) is very necessary in prevention programs. The aim of this study was determining the risk factors and the prevalence of WS in adolescents based on the social cognitive theory (SCT). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among urban adolescents in two provinces located in the South East of Iran. We recruited 1,218 adolescents (girls=595 and boys=623) through multistage sampling during the period October 2017 to February 2018. The data collection tool was a self-administered standardized questionnaire that included basic baseline characteristics, SCT constructs items and questions about WS behavior in the participants. The data were analysed using SPSS software version 22.0. Results The ever use prevalence of WS in boys was 43.8% (n= 264), and in girls 27% (n=160). WS in family member (OR=1.87, CI: 1.32-2.63; p<0.001) and intimate friends (OR=2.34, CI: 1.70- 2.26; p<0.001) were the most important risk factors for adolescents. In the relation of WS with constructs of SCT: outcome expectations (OR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.50-0.84; p<0.001), outcome expectancy, (OR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.55-0.85; p=0.002) self-efficacy, (OR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.23- 0.41; p<0.001), and situational perception (OR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.47- 0.84: p=0.002) were the most important and related factors of WS. Boys were 1.92 times (OR: 1.06 – 2.43; p<0.001) more exposed to water-pipe smoking than girls. Conclusion The prevalence of WS was notable in students especially in boys. Peer group and family are important risk factors for tendency toward WS in adolescence. Also, lower score in SCT constructs such as knowledge, self-efficacy and situational perception in adolescents are important risk factors for WS in participants.

Prevalence of Water-pipe Smoking among Arab Students in Malaysia - and Its Associated Factors

Prevalence of Water-pipe Smoking among Arab Students in Malaysia - and Its Associated Factors

Shaping interventions to address waterpipe smoking in Arabic-speaking communities in Sydney, Australia: a qualitative study

BackgroundWaterpipe smoking is a traditional method of tobacco smoking that is being increasingly practiced worldwide. However, the research evidence describing the practice and prevalence of waterpipe smoking in Australia is limited. Arabic-speaking communities residing in an area of metropolitan Sydney identified increasing rates of waterpipe smoking as a community health concern during a tobacco intervention project. A qualitative research project was conducted to explore community perceptions about waterpipe smoking and the health promotion interventions that would be acceptable to Arabic speaking communities.MethodsParticipants from Arabic-speaking community groups and networks were recruited by trained bilingual community research assistants (BCRAs). Ten focus groups were conducted, eight by the BCRAs and two by the research team, and included a total of 88 participants. Notes were taken during the focus groups by the BCRAs and provided to the research team. The data was coded and managed using NVivo 11, and examined for themes and subthemes.ResultsEleven themes were identified from the data relating to the perceptions of waterpipe smoking (practices, cultural identity, acceptability, social connectedness, knowledge and perceptions of harm, trend and fashion, availability and access) and possible health promotion interventions (health information and social marketing, health education, policy and legislation, intervention target groups and messages). Waterpipe smoking was reported to be widely practiced and was related to a number of factors including feelings of cultural identity and belonging. The study highlighted the misconceptions of harm that exist in communities about the health effects of waterpipe smoking, as well as the significant role of the family in passing on the practice of waterpipe smoking. These factors should be considered in the development of health promotion interventions.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that until waterpipe smoking is perceived as a problem, community readiness for accepting health promotion interventions will be limited. Interventions should focus on debunking the myths that contribute toward a reduced perception of harm. A culturally sensitive approach, that considers the cultural connection to waterpipe smoking, should be taken toward the development and implementation of interventions.

Prevalence of and attitudes to waterpipe smoking among Saudi Arabian physicians.

Tobacco smoking kills more than 5 million people annually and it is the most important cause of preventable death. Waterpipe smoking is common in the Middle East and is prevalent among young people. There is a misconception that it is less harmful than cigarette smoking. Physicians are considered role models in the community and their behaviours and attitudes towards smoking can have direct effects on cessation. The aim of this study was to estimate current prevalence, attitudes and associated factors in regard to waterpipe smoking among Saudi Arabian physicians. Using a self-administered questionnaire, we conducted a cross-sectional study among 454 male and female physicians from 3 specialties, and of various levels of training working in 4 hospitals in Riyadh. The prevalence of waterpipe smoking was 45%, greater in men than in women (58% vs 18%; P ≤ 0.001) and in surgical than in medical specialists (58% vs 38%; P ≤ 0.001). More non-smokers than smokers believed that physicians should serve as role models (79% vs 60%; P ≤ 0.001). Physicians who were waterpipe non-smokers had received more formal training about cessation than smokers (50% vs 36%; P ≤ 0.001). Waterpipe smoking among Saudi Arabian physicians is frequent and is associated with low exposure to information about the hazards and cessation during medical education.

Cigarettes and Water Pipe Smoking Prevalence, Knowledge, and Attitudes Among the Palestinian Physicians in the West Bank.

Background:Tobacco use is one of the major public health threats nowadays. Smoking can affect everybody organ. Health professionals should play pivotal roles in tobacco control, and their attitude and practice toward tobacco use can affect the health of the community. Therefore, assessing and influencing physicians’ attitudes and practice are one of the alternatives to reduce smoking prevalence in the community. We aimed to assess smoking status among medical physicians in the West Bank, Palestine to better understand their future role in any smoking cessation program.Material and methods:A cross-sectional study using the World Health Organization Global Health Professional Survey questionnaire was conducted. A non-probability sampling technique from a total of 6500 physicians registered in the Palestinian Medical Association in the West Bank was used.Results:The age ranged from 23 to 78 years with a mean of 34.92 years. Current smokers represented 60.3%. Of them, 18.5% were both cigarettes and water pipe smokers. The main reason that motivates the physician to smoke is experimenting (57.9%). Also stress (31.8%) and social pressure (26.4%) were of the most common causes to start smoking. Almost all medical doctors have a high level of knowledge regarding the health consequences of smoking. Smokers were less likely to hold favorable attitudes toward smoking cessation and support tobacco control policy compared with non-smokers (P-values < .05).Conclusions:Physicians’ degree of awareness and knowledge about their role in aiding patients to quit smoking are high. However, smokers’ attitudes toward smoking cessation programs need to be improved to increase their involvement in such interventional programs.

Cigarette and Water-Pipe Use in Iran: Geographical Distribution and Time Trends among the Adult Population; A Pooled Analysis of National STEPS Surveys, 2006-2009.

To assess the geographical distribution and time trends of manufactured cigarette and water-pipe use among Iranian adult population. Pooled data from four consecutive nationally and provincially representative STEPS surveys, 2006-2009, were analyzed. Prevalence of current daily manufactured cigarette smokers, current daily water-pipe and current daily dual users and associated 95%CIs were estimated using complex sample analysis techniques. Overall, the prevalence of current daily tobacco use, including cigarette and water-pipe, was estimated 23.7% for men and 3.0% for women, in which 20.2% of men and 0.8% of women were exclusively cigarette smokers, 2.7% and 2.2% were exclusively water-pipe users, and 0.6% and 0.01% smoked both cigarettes and water-pipes. The prevalence of cigarette smoking ranged from 12.3% to 27.7% in men and 0.1% to 1.8% in women, and was generally highest in the northwest of the country. Conversely, the prevalence of water-pipe smoking ranged from 1.7% to 10.9% in men and 0% to 16.8% in women, and was highest in the south and southeast. No secular trends were observed for daily cigarette smoking in either men (P = 0.637) or women (P = 0.308) from 2006 to 2009. However, the prevalence of water-pipe decreased slightly in women (P = 0.012) and men (P = 0.055), though the later was not statistically significant. In Iran, widespread geographical variation in the use of different types of tobacco products should be taken into account when planning for tobacco prevention policies and programs. Iran may serve as an important setting for etiological studies to examine the effects of long-term water pipe use on diseases.

Evaluation of the prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking and its related factors in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.

This study is designed to evaluate the prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking and its related factors among Iranian adults. This is a cross-sectional study carried out during 2013/14 in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, among 1830 citizens aged over 15 years. Sampling was through Stratified multistage cluster sampling with proportional allocation within strata. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) questionnaire for waterpipe consumption was used for data gathering. Data were statistically analyzed by SPSS software. The prevalence of current waterpipe tobacco smoking was 17.6% .Waterpipe use prevalence in men was significantly more than women (24.2% vs. 11.3%). Multivariate analysis showed that age, sex, cigarette consumption, waterpipe consumption at home and ignorance of safety issues significantly influenced current waterpipe smoking (P = 0.001). Thus, prevalence of waterpipe smoking in Iranian adults is high and significant. Tackling waterpipe smoking should be considered in tobacco control programmes. However, further studies in this field are needed.

Prevalence of shisha smoking among fourth and fifth batches of medical students at Al-Imam Muhammad ibn Saud University and its relationship with GPA

Introduction: A small survey in the College of Medicineat Al-Imam University, Riyadh Saudi Arabia, showed that there was a higher prevalence of shisha smokers compared with cigarette smokers. It is important to investigate whether this habit is spreading. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of shisha smoking among fourth and fifth batches of medical students and to find out if there is a relationship between grade point average (GPA) and shisha smoking. Materials and methods: Worldwide, many data and research conclude that there is a higher prevalence of shisha smoking among university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronic questionnaire among a sample of students studying PHARMACOLOGY and PODI blocks. Students were selected using systematic random sampling. Results: Response rate was 58.75% after 80 questions had been electronically distributed and collected from both batches. The prevalence of current shisha smoking was 25.5%, and 44.6% of the students had tried shisha smoking at least once. Conclusions: The prevalence of current shisha smokers was 25.5% and many studies suggest that it is a growing problem. Further research will be required to establish the relationship between last year’ s GPA and shisha smoking. More research with larger samples is needed to determine if there was a relation between shisha smoking and GPA. We have to increase the awareness of the high prevalence of water pipe smoking among students. Acknowledgements: Dr Abdullah Al-rabiah, Talal Al Amri, our friends in fourth and fifth batches, leaders of fourth and fifth batches.

Prevalence of water pipe smoking in the city of Mashhad (North East of Iran) and its effect on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests.

Background:The prevalence of water pipe (WP) smoking was studied using a standard questionnaire. Pulmonary function tests were also compared between WP smokers and non-smokers.Materials and Methods:The prevalence of WP smoking was studied using a standard questionnaire. Pulmonary function tests including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF), peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal expiratory flow at 75%, 50%, and 25% of the FVC (MEF75,50,25) were compared between WP smokers and non-smokers.Results:A total of 673 individuals including 372 males and 301 females were interviewed. The number of WP smokers was 58 (8.6%) including 24 males (6.5%) and 34 females (11.3%). All pulmonary functional test (PFT) values in WP smokers were lower as compared to the non-smokers (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). The prevalence and severity of respiratory symptoms (RS) in WP smokers were higher than non-smokers (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). There were negative correlations between PFT values and positive correlation between RS and duration, rate, as well as total smoking (duration X rate) (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001).Conclusion:In this study the prevalence of WP smoking in Mashhad city was evaluated for the first time. The results also showed a significant effect of WP smoking on PFT values and respiratory symptoms.