Shisha Use Research Articles

Social norms and social opportunities: a qualitative study of influences on tobacco use among urban adolescent girls in Ghana

BackgroundTobacco use is a global public health threat and a leading preventable cause of death in the world. While cigarette use among youth has been decreasing in high-income countries, low- and middle-income countries have contrastingly high rates of adolescent smoking. In Ghana, smoking prevalence is lower than in other parts of the African continent and more common among men than women; however the gender gap in tobacco use among adolescents has narrowed, with shisha use among girls recently surpassing boys. These trends toward increased relative use among adolescent girls are a cause for concern and highlight the need for interventions to prevent and/or reduce tobacco use in this population.MethodsWe conducted in-depth interviews with girls aged 13–20 (n = 148) and their parents (n = 7) in Ghana’s largest two cities – Accra and Kumasi, to explore the physical, social, and psychological context underlying smoking perceptions and behavior.ResultsWe identified 11 key insights into influences on smoking behavior, organized into the broader themes of perceptions of smoking, environmental factors, and internal factors. Findings underscore that perceptions around smoking are very much driven by girls’ social world, which is generally small and parent-centric for non-smokers at younger ages but can start to expand as girls get farther along in school or leave school entirely. After what may have been a sheltered adolescence, many older girls in Ghana look for ways to express their independence in decision-making and a few may use their developing agency to rationalize limited or infrequent tobacco use if they perceive the benefits to them outweigh the potential consequences.ConclusionsOur findings highlight strong social influences on girls’ perceptions, exposure to opportunities, and decision-making in ways that can often be protective against smoking, particularly at younger ages, but may also leave girls unprepared to manage challenging situations later in life. Understanding this context in Ghana will be important for any future programming aiming to prevent smoking initiation among adolescents.

Tobacco use and khat chewing among adolescents in Yemen: a large-scale school-based cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe present study sought to assess the prevalence and determinants of tobacco use (cigarette smoking and shisha use) and khat chewing among Yemeni adolescents, and to evaluate their knowledge and attitudes toward these habits.MethodsThis school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 13 to 19-year-old students attending middle/high schools (both private and public) across five main cities in Yemen. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires comprising questions/items related to sociodemographic data, cigarette smoking, shisha use, khat chewing, and knowledge on and attitudes toward these habits. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to explore the most determinant factors.ResultsA total of 7505 students were recruited from 42 schools across five major cities in Yemen. The prevalence rates of khat chewing, cigarette smoking, and shisha use were 42.4%, 6.8%, and 19.3%, respectively. Compared to females, male subjects reported significantly higher prevalence of khat chewing (51.4% vs. 23.5%, p < 0.001), shisha use (20.3% vs. 17.2%, p < 0.01), and cigarette smoking (8.8% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.001). Male gender, older age, poor knowledge, khat chewing, parents’ low education level, and parents’ and peers’ smoking habits were significant determinants of adolescents’ cigarette smoking status. Private education, male gender, older age, poor knowledge, parents’ low education level, and parents’ and peers’ khat chewing habits were significant determinants of adolescents’ khat chewing status. The participant’s knowledge of and attitudes toward tobacco use and khat chewing were inadequate.ConclusionThe prevalence of khat chewing, shisha use, and to lesser extent cigarette smoking among Yemeni adolescents is high that needs immediate intervention. The results highlight the urgent need to implement prevention strategies to tackle these habits among the youth in Yemen.

Patterns and associated factors of shisha usage among the undergraduate students of Jouf University, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Shisha tobacco use is gaining popularity around the world, especially among young people and college students. Shisha users are exposed to many of the same harmful substances as cigarette smokers but at much higher levels, which could have more serious adverse health impacts. The aims of this study were to: 1) determine the patterns of shisha smoking among university students in the Northern Province of Saudi Arabia; 2) identify the reasons for using shisha tobacco; and 3) ascertain whether usage of shisha smoking differs by their sociodemographic characteristics. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among students of seven different colleges at a public university between October and December 2022. A modified version of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey questionnaire was used to collect information specifically on shisha smoking. After adjusting for confounding variables, a logistic regression analysis was used to determine the related factors. A total of 418 participants were included in the study. Of the studied population, shisha smoking was seen in 73.7% (n=308). Out of 308 shisha smokers, 208 (67.5%) had their first session of shisha smoking within the past two years; 34.4% of participants had used it in the past 30 days (current users), of which 27.4% had smoked shisha from 1 to 7 days during the past 30 days. The majority of respondents (63.6%) reported having friends that smoke. The most popular flavor among respondents (24.6%) was apple. For quitting attempts, 46.4% reported a 24-hour quit attempt in the previous year. Stress (23.0%) was reported as the main reason for beginning shisha use. Shisha smoking was significantly associated with age (Ref. 18-20 years; 24-26 years, AOR=0.08; 95% CI: 0.02-0.33, p<0.001; ≥27 years, AOR=0.12; 95% CI: 0.02-0.62, p=0.01), living status (Ref. alone; with family, AOR=0.23; 95% CI: 0.11-0.47, p<0.001; with friends, AOR=0.36; 95% CI: 0.18-0.76, p<0.001), with parents having higher education level (Ref. primary school and lower; Bachelor's, AOR=0.33; 95% CI: 0.14-0.76, p<0.001; diploma, AOR=0.33; 95% CI: 0.15-0.73, p<0.001; PhD, AOR=5.15; 95% CI: 1.00-9.65, p=0.05). Shisha use was more frequent among Saudi Arabian college students, especially those who were aged 18-20 years, living alone, and having highly educated parents.

Shisha Consumption and Presence of Cotinine in Saliva Samples among Students in Public Universities in Coastal Kenya.

Despite the well-known adverse health effects of tobacco, shisha use among students in tertiary institutions remains a public health concern. In Kenya, the literature on status of shisha after the 2017 ban is scanty. This study sought to ascertain actual shisha use among university students along the coastal strip. We investigated confirmed and self-reported shisha use. Using proportionate-to-size and snowball sampling methods, 380 respondents were enrolled from three universities. Sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported history of shisha use were documented using a participant-assisted questionnaire. Actual shisha use was determined qualitatively using 6 panel plus alcohol saliva test kit that detected cotinine use among other selected drugs. Of the 380 participants, 278 (73%) were males and their median (IQR) age was 22 (20-23) years. This study reports 29% current use based on testing positive for cotinine. Among those who reported current ever use of shisha, 19% tested positive for cotinine, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, being separated (adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 2.06 (95% CI: 1.45-2.94)) compared to being single and studying for a degree compared to a diploma (aRR: 1.32 (95% CI: 1.10-1.58)) were associated with cotinine positive. The 4th year of study (aRR: 1.68 (95% CI: 1.22-2.33)) compared to the 1st year and reported knowledge of shisha (aRR: 1.84 (95% CI: 1.18-2.87)) were associated with cotinine positive. Nearly one-third of university students along the Kenyan coast are active shisha users. Saliva testing for cotinine is a more reliable method of reporting tobacco use. We recommend upscaling of health education, re-enforcement of the current ban on shisha consumption by concerned authorities, and saliva testing for cotinine while assessing current tobacco use.

Prevalence, knowledge and factors associated with shisha smoking among university students in Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Young adults consider shisha (water-pipe) less harmful than other smoking methods, but it has been reported to expose its users to excess levels of tobacco. This study sought to determine the prevalence, knowledge and factors associated with shisha use among university students in Buea, Cameroon.METHODS: Consenting participants were included in a cross-sectional study. Knowledge was assessed using a knowledge summary score and logistic regression used to identify factors associated with shisha smoking. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS: There were 1,008 student participants; 509 (50.9%) were female. The mean age was 22.9 ± 3.1 years. The prevalence of shisha smoking was 26% (95% CI 23.3-28.8). Most respondents had good knowledge about shisha (59.2%). Poor knowledge about shisha (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.37, 95% CI 1.57-3.59)], living in a hostel (aOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.29-3.11), friends' use of shisha (aOR 5.41, 95% CI 3.03-10.43) and alcohol consumption (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.24-2.94) were associated with shisha smoking.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of shisha smoking among university students in Buea is high; about one-quarter of the students have poor knowledge about its harmful health effects. There is an increasing need for sensitisation of these young adults to the harmful effects of tobacco smoking.

A Comparative Histological Study of Effects of Cigarette and Shisha Smoke on Lungs of Mice

Background: The most popular way to take in tobacco is as cigarettes, which are now frequently accessible as vaporizers. When inhaled for an extended period of time, the smoke's respiratory tract irritants cause fibrosis, inflammation, and precancerous diseases. Nicotine is the main alkaloid found in both commercial and home-made tobacco products, making up 0.6-3.0% of the dry weight of the tobacco plant. Aim: To compare the histological effects of cigarettes and shisha on the lungs of experimental animals. Study design: Randomized control trial. Methodology: A randomised control trial was used. In partnership with the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad, the Department of Anatomy at the Islamic International Medical College in Rawalpindi developed and carried out this six-month study. 40 mature male BALB/c mice were allocated into three groups at random. Mice from the Control group C were housed in a fresh air- and smoke-exposed environment. Third Group CS was exposed to cigarette smoke, while Experimental Group SS was subjected to shisha smoke. Two exposures per day, five days per week, were administered. After a total of eight months of exposure, the subjects were dissected, the lung tissue was evaluated under a microscope, and the outcomes were compared across experimental groups. The quantity of carbon-loaded alveolar macrophages per unit was measured in the lung tissues. SPSS 20.0 was utilized to analyze the data. For quantitative histology data, mean and standard deviation were provided, while frequencies and percentages were provided for qualitative factors. The Pearson Chi Square test was used to determine the p value when comparing two groups and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the mean differences between the control and experimental groups. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value of 0.05. Results: In comparison to group CS, group SS showed significantly more fibrosis, peribronchiolar inflammation, and bronchiolar constriction. Additionally, there were more carbon-loaded alveolar macrophages in group SS than in group CS, and this difference was statistically significant. Practical implication: As sheesha and vaping are now popular trends, this study will aid researchers in determining the risk linked with sheesha smoking. Conclusions: Shisha use is not a risk-free substitute for cigarette use. Compared to cigarette smoke, it has a larger concentration of toxicants that alter tissue at a far higher rate. Keywords: Shisha Smoke, Cigarette Smoke, Lungs Tissue, Mice and Histology.

Knowledge, practices and beliefs of students regarding health effects of shisha use in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: A cross‑sectional study.

The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. Shisha use has recently been gaining increased popularity in many developed and developing countries. To determine the prevalence of shisha use among students in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and associated knowledge, smoking practices and beliefs about health effects. A total of 443 students were selected for this cross-sectional study, using a stratified sampling method. Data on shisha use, knowledge about shisha, shisha smoking practices, and factors associated with use of shisha were collected via a questionnaire. The association between the independent variables and shisha use was assessed using a χ² test (p<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine variables that were independently associated with shisha smoking. Of the 421 respondents, 162 (38.5%) indicated that they had smoked shisha; 14.0% were regular smokers. We found that 183 students (43.5%) had poor knowledge about the health effects of shisha. The main reasons for shisha smoking were being in the company of friends who were users (57.4%), the pleasant flavour and fragrance of shisha (25.9%), and fashion (22.2%). Ninety-nine shisha smokers (61.1%) also consumed alcohol. Factors associated with shisha smoking included age <20 years (p<0.001), gender (p=0.034), and educational level of the respondent's father (p=0.0001) and mother (p=0.0004). We found a relatively high prevalence of shisha smoking among the students, and that 43.5% of them had poor knowledge about its effects on health. Developing surveillance, intervention and regulatory/policy frameworks specific to shisha has become a public health priority. What the study adds. The study provides additional data from resource-poor settings such as Burkia Faso, where there is an overall high prevalence of Sisha smoking, and also among students who are poorly informed about the health effects of smoking. Implications of the findings. The data informs advocacy and intervention strategies to combat smoking and decrease overall tobacco use in an African setting.

Evaluation of Prevalence and Predictors of Waterpipe (Shisha) use among Pre-medicine and Pharmacy students in the Muscat Region- A Pilot Study

Tobacco epidemic has become one of the biggest public health threats to the world as it kills more than 8 million people annually. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and predictors of waterpipe (shisha) use among Pre-medicine and Pharmacy students in the Muscat region. A validated questionnaire containing 32 questions on shisha use, knowledge &amp; attitudes concerning shisha use, cessation, initiation trends and exposure to second hand smoke (SHS) was self-administered to 140 students. Approximately half of the students were Omanis and 19.4% of the students had smoked shisha at least once. About 22.9% of the students, felt that smoking made them more comfortable in social gatherings. Approximately 21.6% students smoked in places outside their homes, contributing to SHS. The prevalence of shisha and cigarette smoking were 2.9% and 4.3% respectively. Males and non-Omanis (64.7% and 42.4%) were found to be more susceptible to initiate smoking within a year. This study indicated that shisha smoking and cigarette smoking are on the rise among young adults. Hence, there is a need to educate students about the harms of shisha smoking, to quit smoking and to protect the non-smokers from being initiated into this vicious habit.

The prevalence and associated factors of shisha use among smokers attending three primary healthcare centers in Qatar, 2020.

INTRODUCTIONSmoking is one of the most serious health issues. One form of tobacco use, shisha, is prevalent in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. There is a misconception among smokers that waterpipe use poses no harm to human health. In Qatar, the Global Adult Tobacco Survey in 2013 has shown that 3.4% of adults in the country were current waterpipe users. Nevertheless, there remains a scarcity of data on the knowledge and practice of shisha smokers in Qatar.METHODSThis was a cross-sectional study across three primary healthcare (PHC) centers in Qatar between September and December 2020. A convenient sampling technique was employed to enroll participants. Upon consent, an interview was conducted to collect data from adult smokers (aged ≥18 years). Descriptive and analytic statistics were used when appropriate.RESULTSA total of 281 individuals participated in this study. Nearly half (48.8%) were current shisha users and almost three-quarters (72.9%) had inadequate knowledge in this regard. In addition, only one-fifth (19.5%) of participants attended smoking cessation clinics at the primary healthcare centers and a quarter (25%) of the respondents managed to quit smoking before relapsing. A significant association was found between the shisha knowledge of participants and their nationality (Qatari), employment status (unemployed), smoking status (current smoker), and duration of smoking.CONCLUSIONSThe study results convey a high prevalence of shisha use (47.8%), inadequate shisha knowledge (72.9%), and lack of awareness about available smoking cessation services (46.6%) among the participants. Further research is recommended to generate evidence on the determinants of shisha use and knowledge among the attendees of primary healthcare centers in Qatar.

Predictors of Shisha Use among Medical and Dental Students in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Shisha is a form of smoked tobacco product. Medical trainees are potential stakeholders in providing accurate information about shisha and discouraging its use. However, few studies have targeted medical trainees to provide much-needed information for policymaking and planning of programs. To determine the prevalence and predictors of shisha use among medical and dental students in Ibadan, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical and dental students (n = 252) of the University of Ibadan, selected using the stratified random sampling technique. The Global Health Profession Students Survey (GHPSS) questionnaire was used to obtain information about socio-demographics, shisha and other tobacco use, and knowledge and attitude towards shisha use. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Continuous data were presented using mean and standard deviation, whereas categorical variables were reported as proportions. The association between the outcome variable (shisha use) and independent variables (sociodemographic characteristics, having friends who use shisha) was measured using Pearson's Chi-square test, and factors significant (P < 0.05) were entered into the multivariable logistic regression model. The mean age (± SD) was 21.7 (± 3.1) years. Over half [136 (54%)] were males, and most [199 (79%)] were medical students. About 28 (11%) were not aware of shisha, whereas 22 (8.7%) reported they had ever used shisha. The mean knowledge score was 5.6 ± 4.7, and 76 (33.9%) supported shisha use. Positive predictors of shisha use included the male gender [OR: 6.4 (95% CI: 1.76-23.10)] and having a friend who uses shisha [OR: 28.2 (95% CI: 5.49-144.23)]. The prevalence of shisha use among medical and dental students in Ibadan is unacceptably high, although low compared to other countries in similar resource settings. Surprisingly, the students had poor knowledge about shisha, and over a third supported its use, especially males who were more prone to use it. There is a need to design targeted health promotion and education for the students, especially males.

"If I don't smoke shisha, I won't be able to sleep": lived experiences of high school students in Ethiopia.

BackgroundShisha smoking predisposes the users to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and infections, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, and herpes. In Ethiopia, there is little data on the adolescents’ shisha smoking experience. This study aimed to explore the lived experience of high school students and inform ongoing and future prevention and control interventions.MethodsThis study was conducted in Addis Ababa and Adama cities in Ethiopia. Twenty-five secondary school students aged 15-22 years who had shisha smoking experience participated in this study. A topic guide was used to facilitate the in-depth interviews (IDIs) and a digital audio recorder recorded the interviews. Interviews varied between 40-90 minutes and were conducted in private open-air spaces where only the interviewee and researcher were present. Each transcript was coded using Atlas.ti version 8 software. The analytical approach was iterative, with interview transcripts analyzed at the time of coding and re-analyzed after a preliminary result was drafted to search for additional themes.ResultsStudents described two key factors that influenced their decision to initiate shisha smoking: peer influence and perceiving it as a means to release stress. After initiating shisha use students maintained the behaviour because of: peer influence, khat chewing, enjoyment of shisha smoking, having prolonged leisure time, and accessibility to shisha. Students regretted the impact shisha use had on their lives, such as conflict with their families, poor academic performance, and spending money on shisha smoking. Female students were also concerned about reproductive health risks related to shisha use.ConclusionsPeer influence played a major role both in initiating and maintaining shisha use. However, students admitted concern over the impact of shisha smoking on academic performance and their relationship with their families. Since shisha use is associated with khat chewing; shisha smoking control programs cannot be successful without controlling khat. Especially young girls had worries about their reproductive health risks associated with shisha use. This suggests that targeted awareness raising programs highlighting the dangers of shisha use for both health and safety; especially for young women is required.

Predictors of cigarette and shisha use in Nima and Osu communities, Accra, Ghana: A cross-sectional study

Predictors of cigarette and shisha use in Nima and Osu communities, Accra, Ghana: A cross-sectional study

An Emerging Problem of Shisha Smoking among High School Students in Ethiopia.

Shisha smoking is also known as hookah, water pipe, goza, and nargile. Shisha use among the young is increasing globally. Shisha smoke results in a high concentration of carbon monoxide, tar, nicotine, and heavy metals which can be toxic to humans, especially with chronic exposure. This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors of shisha smoking among in-school adolescents in Ethiopia. Four regional states in Ethiopia (Oromia, Amhara, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region, Tigray) and the capital city (Addis Ababa) were the study areas. A two-stage cluster sampling approach was employed to produce a representative sample. From the sampling frames in the study areas, 36 high schools were selected randomly. A multi-level logistic regression analysis was used to account for cluster-specific random effects, the effect of individuals’, and school-level variables for ever-use of shisha. A total of 3355 secondary school grade 9 and 10 students aged between 13 and 22 years took part in this study. A total of 86 (2.6%) and 20 (0.6%) of the study participants, reported that they had ever smoked or were current smokers of shisha, respectively. Of all study participants, 38.6% perceived shisha as less harmful than cigarettes and 48.5% reported that they do not know which was more harmful to health. Students were more likely to ever use shisha if they had friend/s who smoke shisha (AOR = 16.8, 95% CI: 6.4–44.3), ever smoked cigarettes (AOR = 8.2, 95% CI: 3.4–19.8), ever used khat (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.9–10.4), ever used marijuana (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.4–11.1), ever used smokeless tobacco (AOR = 3.1 95% CI: 1.1–8.4), and students had received income from their parents (AOR = 3.1 CI: 1.1–8.8). Prevalence of ever and current use of shisha among high school students is low in Ethiopia compared to many countries in Africa. The majority of adolescents perceived shisha as less harmful to health than cigarette smoking. Health education about the harmful effects of shisha should be delivered to adolescents, along with information on other substances like khat, cigarettes, marijuana, and smokeless tobacco to prevent initiation of substance use.

Predictors of Shisha Consumption among Students in Tertiary Institutions: A Systematic Review

Tobacco use is a risk factor for several diseases, disabilities and premature deaths. Shisha is specially flavoured tobacco and majority of the users perceive hookah smoking to be safer than cigarette. Shisha use has become rampant and trendy among students in tertiary institutions. This review aims to evaluate predictors of shisha consumption among students in tertiary institutions. We reviewed references of authentic databases and journals including Web of Science, PubMed, Iranian Databases, National Agency for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, CDC and WHO. The review focused on data documented from 2010 up to 2020.Predictors of shisha use were: shisha availability and accessibility, flavouring ,gender, awareness level, parental factors, marital status, social acceptability, peer pressure, birth order, monthly stipend, course enrolled in, internet and legal framework on hookah smoking. Most students using shisha reported to be poly drug users with marijuana, tobacco products, alcohol and khat. Most students consume shisha either singly or concurrently or simultaneously alongside other drugs. However, it is not possible to tell if shisha use preceded use of other drugs or was an aftermath. There is need to strengthen laws and policies regulating waterpipe industry. Since nearly all the reviewed literature was based on self-reported history which is prone to both social desirability bias and memory recall bias there is need to have confirmed incidence of shisha use in this sub-population.

Shisha Use Is Associated with Deviance among High School Students in Accra, Ghana

ABSTRACT A number of studies have established an association between smoking, use of other drugs, and deviance. However, little is known about the association of shisha use or marijuana use, or their interaction, with deviance. We examined the effect of shisha and marijuana use within the past thirty days, including their interaction, on deviance among high school students in Accra, Ghana. In this cross-sectional survey, participants were selected from four senior high schools using quota sampling. The sample comprised 217 males and 112 females (Mage = 17.23, SDage = 1.33) who completed a self-administered questionnaires. A factorial ANOVA was used in analyzing the data. Main effects of shisha and marijuana use within the past thirty days, including their interaction effect on deviance was established. Although studies of shisha use have often been skewed toward the health problems associated with its use, current findings suggest that using shisha is associated with deviant behavior. Also, the use of marijuana is associated with committing deviant acts. Policy makers should consider a ban on shisha use among adolescents in Ghana.

PREVALENCE OF SHISHA-AIDED FLAVOURED TOBACCO SMOKING AMONG STUDENTS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

The study investigated the prevalence of shisha-aided flavoured tobacco smoking among students in public universities in Rivers State. The study emphasized on the number of students associated with shisha use in the three public universities located in Rivers State. It is a cross-sectional study carried out among undergraduate students in public universities in Rivers State with population forty seven thousand, five hundred and seventeen (47,517) from the three (3) public universities in Rivers State, using a sample size of one thousand undergraduate students drawn through a multi-stage sampling procedure. The instrument used for data collection were 30 items structured questionnaire titled “Prevalence of Shisha-aided Flavoured Tobacco Smoking (PSFTS)” which has a reliability coefficient of 0.91 and focus group discussion. Data was analyzed using frequency and percentage for the demographic characteristics, while mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research question. While ANOVA was used to test the hypotheses at .05 alpha level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that the prevalence of shisha-aided that the prevalence of shisha-aided flavoured tobacco smoking was considerably low. The study concluded with the following recommendations that health awareness campaign/trainings among students on health risks implications and on admission of students, during orientation the universities authorities should marshal modalities to halt the use of shisha and all other forms of tobacco use.&#x0D; &#x0D; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0720/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Disparity and compatibility, familiarity and perception among waterpipe tobacco smokers (Shisha) in Malaysia: A comparative study

Background: In Malaysia, although the number of Shisha smokers has not exceeded the regular cigarette users, waterpipe smoking (Shisha) has been appeared as a new form of tobacco use, especially among the new generation. This study aims to describe the comparative characteristics, familiarities, and motives for Shisha use in some states of Malaysia.&nbsp; Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a new validated self-administered, bilingual questionnaire was conducted among Shisha smokers in Pulau

Determinants of shisha use among secondary school students in Sudan

BackgroundShisha smoking has re-emerged in the Middle East in the last two decades and has spread rapidly in these communities. Information about shisha smoking in adolescents in Sudan is deficient. Hence, the aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of shisha smoking among adolescents and determine the associated factors.MethodsThis study is a school based cross sectional study among secondary school students in Khartoum State - Sudan that targets both male and female students aged 14–17 years. A total of 3387 students from 29 public and private schools were selected by multi stage random sampling. The participants completed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire which was based on Arabic version of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS).ResultsThe response rate was 100% in schools and among participants, 57.3% were females and 51.6% were from public schools. The overall prevalence of those who had ever smoked shisha was 13.4%, and among male students the prevalence was 16.8%, while it was 10.9% in females.The associated factors were poor academic performance OR 2.90 CI 95% (1.21–6.94), friends smoking shisha OR 2.39 CI 95% (1.65–3.45), friends smoking cigarettes OR 2.76 CI 95% (1.90–4.01), peer pressure to smoke shisha OR 13.76 CI 95% (7.86–24.07) and unexpectedly restriction of selling shisha to minors OR 2.21 CI 95% (1.28–3.82).ConclusionThe prevalence of those who had ever smoked shisha is among the lowest in Middle East region; therefore, regular surveillance system is needed. A well-structured peer based comprehensive tobacco control programmes that are supported by strict and rigorous anti-tobacco regulations which control both commercial and social resources of tobacco are needed to contain this issue among adolescents.

Poor Knowledge of the Harmful Effects of Shisha Among Shisha Smokers: Findings from a Preliminary Survey in Northwest Nigeria

Abstract Background: Tobacco smoking is an addictive behavior with heavy risks accompanying its prolonged practice. Unfortunately, more and more people are indulging in tobacco smoking habits despite the public health education programs going on worldwide about the dangers associated with tobacco smoking behavior. This study aims to survey active shisha smokers in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area (LGA), Kebbi State, Nigeria, on the awareness of the harmful effects associated with shisha smoking. Methods: This study was a survey of 45 active shisha smokers in Birnin Kebbi LGA. Snowballing technique was adopted in participants’ recruitment. Study instrument was a questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Results: Majority (32/45) of the participants were males, 16 had secondary school education, and 19 were within age range of 15 to 24 years. The majority (25/45) of them began to smoke shisha at the age of 18 years or more; also, 20 participants smoked shisha in all the 30 days prior to their participation in this study. Less than half of the study participants knew that: shisha is a stimulant (6/45), shisha smoke contains carbon monoxide (10/45), and the liquid in shisha could be replaced with alcohol (15/45). However, more than half of the participants knew that shisha contains nicotine (23/45) and tobacco (25/45). Only 16, 13, 11, 9, 5, 10, and 13 participants knew that shisha smoking could lead to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, increase in the risk of infections, reduced baby weight in pregnancy, gum and mouth disease, eye disease and blindness, and harm to non-smokers, respectively. Conclusion: Many of the active shisha smokers surveyed in this study began smoking shisha at a young age. Also, a significant proportion of them were unaware of the health hazards associated with shisha use; hence the need to educate them and even the Nigerian public on the dangers associated with shisha use.

Online peer influences are associated with receptiveness of youths: The case of Shisha in Vietnam

An explosion of Internet and social network sites (SNSs) among Vietnamese youths and adolescents increases the likelihood of being exposed or influenced by risky perceptions and beliefs from online peers, leading to the development of risk behaviors, especially new habits such as shisha smoking. However, evidence about the online peer influence on the occurrence of shisha smoking is limited. The objective of this study is to determine the associations between online peer influence and the shisha use among young Internet active users in Vietnam. An online cross-sectional study was conducted with 1041 young people, who were recruited by respondent-driven sampling method. The study found that 4.1% have had smoked shisha in the last 12 months. Among participants, 52.9% and 49.5% reported frequently visited places and engaged in activities recommended by online friends, respectively. People who were male (OR = 4.04; 95%CI = 1.94–8.41), of older age (OR = 1.27; 95%CI = 1.06–1.54) and having higher levels of “visiting places recommended by online friends” (OR = 3.05; 95%CI = 1.84–5.06) were more likely to smoke shisha. This study highlighted the influence of online peers on the occurrence of shisha smoking among youths and adolescents. Future interventions should educate young people to understand the harmful effects of shisha smoking as well as risky online presentations and online interactions.