Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking Research Articles

Young adult waterpipe tobacco users' perceived addictiveness of waterpipe tobacco.

INTRODUCTIONYoung adults generally do not perceive waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) to be addictive. Underlying reasons for these false perceptions have received limited research attention and little is known about effective WTS prevention messaging. This study examined perceptions of the addictiveness of WTS among young adults and ascertained their feedback on WTS prevention message content.METHODSYoung adult (n=44, Mean [M] age 25.3, SD 2.7, range 18-30) waterpipe tobacco users were recruited online for a cross-sectional survey. Closed-ended measures assessed demographics, waterpipe use, other tobacco consumption, and perceived addictiveness of WTS. Open-ended items assessed perceptions of WTS and ascertained feedback on WTS prevention message content. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively. Open-ended data were coded to identify emerging themes.RESULTSParticipants reported low perceived addictiveness of WTS (Mean 2.0, SD 0.9, range 1- not at all, 4 - very), perceived chances of becoming addicted (Mean 3.0, SD 1.6, range 1- no chance, 7- certain), and desire to quit (Mean 3.0, SD 1.8, range 1- not at all, 7- very). In open-ended responses, participants indicated social WTS does not lead to addiction and believe it is easy to quit. Some expressed concerns that WTS addiction may lead to health harms, social stigma, and financial costs. Participants indicated messages using vivid imagery and conveying negative health effects could motivate cessation.CONCLUSIONSYoung adults view that WTS is not addictive, particularly related to use in social settings. Research can build from this study by developing and testing messages to motivate WTS cessation in young adults.

The impact of a brief cessation induction intervention for waterpipe tobacco smoking: A pilot randomized clinical trial

BackgroundWaterpipe (WP) tobacco smoking delivers many of the same harmful toxicants as cigarette smoking and is on the rise in the US. This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a brief personalized feedback intervention in affecting changes in WP smoking among current WP smokers. MethodsParticipants (N=109) were recruited as they entered WP lounges and completed a questionnaire and exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) testing before entering the WP lounge. Participants were cluster-randomized to assessment-only control (AOC) or intervention conditions. The intervention condition received health risk information and personalized feedback on pre- and post-WP session eCO levels. Participants completed a survey at the end of the WP session and at 3-month follow-up. ResultsCompared to control, the intervention was effective in increasing knowledge of WP-related harms, correcting risk perceptions, increasing importance of quitting WP smoking, and increasing confidence in ability to quit WP smoking at post-WP session (p<0.05). Differences were maintained for knowledge of WP-related harms, risk perceptions, and commitment to quitting WP at 3-month follow-up; however, no significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in WP smoking (i.e., days smoked and number of WPs smoked) at 3-month follow-up between the intervention (M=3.97days, SD=9.83; M=6.45 bowls, SD=19.60) and control conditions (M=3.32days, SD=5.24; M=3.49 bowls, SD=5.10). ConclusionsThe current research supports the use of personalized feedback as a useful intervention method to increase commitment to quit WP, but suggests more intensive interventions may be necessary to achieve WP cessation.

Descriptive and injunctive norms of waterpipe smoking among college students

IntroductionSmoking tobacco via a waterpipe (WP) is on the rise, particularly among college students. One reason for this may be normative perceptions of WP tobacco smoking (WTS) among this population. The current study examined the perceived and actual descriptive and injunctive norms of WTS among a college student sample. MethodsParticipants were 894 college students enrolled at a large, Midwestern university. Participants completed measures of WTS frequency and quantity and perceived/actual descriptive and injunctive norms of WTS. ResultsOver one-third of the sample reported ever trying WTS, while only 2% reported current (past month) use. When comparing ever and never WP smokers, ever smokers reported greater perceived peer approval of WTS. Both males and females overestimated WTS frequency of same-sex students at their university. DiscussionThe current study is one of the first to investigate descriptive and injunctive norms of WTS among college students. Students who report WTS are more likely to overestimate descriptive norms of WTS among their peers, suggesting corrective normative feedback regarding actual use by peers may be an important target for WTS intervention among college students. Future research should investigate the temporal association between normative perceptions and WTS behaviors among college students.

Prevalence and Determinants of Water Pipe Tobacco and Polytobacco Use Among 18- to 24-Year-Old Emerging Adults in the United States

Water pipe (i.e., hookah) tobacco smoking (WTS) had the highest prevalence among 18- to 24-year-olds in recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Adult Tobacco Surveys (NATS). This study examines the national prevalence and determinants of current WTSs among emerging adults (EAs). Of the 3,577 EAs from the 2012 to 2013 NATS, 18.3% were current water pipe smokers; among the 4,439 EAs from the 2013 to 2014 NATS, the percentage increased to 20.1%. Multivariable analyses demonstrate that current users of cigarettes, cigar/cigarillos, pipes, and/or e-cigarettes were more likely to be current WTSs, while 22- to 24-year-old EAs and African Americans were less likely to smoke water pipe across both surveys. Different interventions and anti-marketing campaigns are needed for different tobacco products within subpopulations in the 18- to 24-year-old EA population. Strategies aimed at college students may not be as effective for noncollege EAs for stemming WTS. More representative research is needed on EAs during this pivotal period of self-exploration and self-development.

Characteristics, reasons, behavior and knowledge towards waterpipe smoking in Saudi Arabia.

Background The present scenario shows that waterpipe smoking, one of tobacco smoking methods, the practice off which dates back at least 400 year is appealing to the youth. Waterpipe tobacco smoking is frequently linked with nations of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) comprising Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon and Syria. The present study shows the socio-demographic characteristics, behavior and knowledge of youth towards waterpipe smoking. Recognizing these features may help emphasize intervention methods. Methods A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data about waterpipe smoking comprising sociodemographic, behavior, reasons and knowledge from 230 university students. Results 230 questionnaires were distributed from which only 199 were included in the study as 31 were excluded because of incompleteness of the survey. The mean age for starting smoking was 19.49 ± 3.75 years with 32.5% of family members and the majority of their friends engaged with waterpipe smoking. Pleasure and happiness (76%), helps me to deal with pressure (78%) and acceptance by society (91%), were the major reasons cited for waterpipe smoking. It being less harmful and less addictive (55%) compared to cigarettes and no objection from the parents (58%) were the other cited reasons. Furthermore, less than 50% of the participants had correct knowledge of its harmful effects. Conclusion It is clearly evident from our findings that there is a meagre amount of knowledge regarding the harmful effects of waterpipe smoking. It is essential that programs to impart knowledge regarding the harmful effects of waterpipe smoking and dependence should be of the utmost importance.

P4422Chinese water-pipe tobacco smoking acts as a risk factor for inflammation and endothelial dysfunction

P4422Chinese water-pipe tobacco smoking acts as a risk factor for inflammation and endothelial dysfunction

Waterpipe and cigarette tobacco smoking among Palestinian university students: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDuring the last two decades, waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS), also known as hookah, witnessed a global increase in use, especially among youth. Little information is known about the burden of WTS among Palestinian youth. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of WTS and cigarette smoking and explore the associated factors among a sample of Palestinian university students.Methods1891 students, from five Palestinian universities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, completed a self-administered, web-based survey in 2014–2015. The questionnaire, which was based on the Global Adults Tobacco Survey (GATS), had questions on WTS and cigarette smoking patterns and socio-demographic and university-related characteristics. Binary logistic regression analyses were computed to investigate associated factors with WTS and cigarette smoking.Results50.9% of the sample was women. The mean age was 20.1 ± 2.0. Overall, 30.0% of participants were current tobacco smokers and 33.4% reported ever smoking tobacco through a waterpipe. The prevalence of current WTS (24.4%) surpassed the prevalence of current cigarette smoking (18.0%), with a significantly higher prevalence among men compared to women. The gender gap for WTS (36.4% vs. 12.9%) was smaller than that for cigarette smoking (32.8% vs. 3.6%). Binary logistic regression models for the total sample (men and women) revealed that men were more likely to be current waterpipe and cigarette tobacco smokers compared to women (AOR = 4.20, 95% CI = 3.22–5.48, and AOR = 10.91, 95% CI = 7.25–16.42, respectively). Geographic area of residence, faculty of study and self-reported academic achievement were also associated with the likelihood of being current waterpipe and cigarette tobacco smokers.ConclusionA high prevalence of WTS was reported among our study sample, and it surpassed the prevalence of cigarette smoking. Interventions to curb the practice of tobacco smoking among Palestinian youth should be tailored differently to WTS and cigarette smoking, be gender-sensitive and specific and target the regional variation in the smoking behavior.

Effect of prenatal waterpipe tobacco smoke on airway inflammation in murine model of asthma of adult offspring mice

Objective: Worldwide popularity of waterpipe tobacco smoking has increased, including in pregnant women. This study investigates the effect of prenatal waterpipe tobacco smoke (WTS) exposure on airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma of adult offspring mice.Materials and methods: Pregnant BALB/c mice were exposed to fresh air or WTS, using a whole-body exposure system that mimics human use during WTS. Adult male offspring mice were divided into; (1) control (prenatal fresh air, postnatal ovalbumin sensitization and saline challenge), (2) postnatal Ova S/C (prenatal fresh air, postnatal ovalbumin sensitization and challenge (Ova S/C)), (3) prenatal WTS (prenatal WTS, postnatal ovalbumin sensitization and saline challenge) and (4) prenatal WTS + postnatal Ova S/C. Cells from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, cytokines, and oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)) from lung homogenates were evaluated.Results: Prenatal WTS increased recruitment of cells in lungs and levels of SOD and catalase when compared to unexposed offspring’s. The levels of cytokines, GPx and TBARS were not affected by prenatal WTS. Prenatal WTS exposure and postnatal Ova S/C increased airway inflammation and activity of SOD compared to control and Ova S/C mice and reduced IL-18 levels compared to Ova S/C mice.Discussion and conclusions: Prenatal exposure to WTS induced airway inflammation, further enhanced by a murine model of asthma in adult offspring. Prenatal exposure to WTS adversely affects the lung function of the offspring and careful strategies for increasing public awareness regarding the harmful effects of WTS during pregnancy is important.

Effect of Prenatal Exposure to Waterpipe Tobacco Smoke on Learning and Memory of Adult Offspring Rats.

Waterpipe tobacco smoking has increased in prevalence worldwide, including among pregnant women. In this study, we investigated the effect of prenatal maternal waterpipe tobacco smoke (WTS) exposure during different stages of pregnancy on learning and memory of adult offspring rats. Pregnant rats received either fresh air or mainstream WTS (2 hours daily) during early, mid, late, or whole gestational period. Male offspring rats were followed through 20 weeks. Outcomes included (1) spatial learning and memory using the radial arm water maze (RAWM), (2) levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, and (3) oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances). Relative to offspring whose mothers were exposed to fresh air, prenatal exposure to WTS at any stage of pregnancy resulted in short- and long-term memory impairment in adult offspring rats (p < .05). This impairment was associated with reduced levels of BDNF in hippocampus (p < .05). However, prenatal WTS did not affect the level of oxidative stress biomarkers in hippocampus. Prenatal WTS during late gestation increased the activity of catalase as compared to control. Prenatal maternal WTS exposure can impair the memory of adult male offspring. These results support development of interventions that target pregnant women who smoke waterpipe during pregnancy. We examined for the first time the effect of prenatal waterpipe tobacco smoke exposure on learning and memory of offspring. The results showed that in utero exposure to waterpipe tobacco smoke was associated with impaired memory and decreased brain derived neurotrophic factor in hippocampus of adult male offspring rats.

Waterpipe tobacco smoking among sexual minorities in the United States: Evidence from the National Adult Tobacco Survey (2012-2014)

ObjectiveThe current study examined differences in waterpipe smoking (both lifetime and current) comparing sexual minority populations - those identifying with lesbian, gay, or bisexual identity - to their heterosexual counterparts using a nationally representative dataset. MethodsThe current study used pooled data from the 2012–2013 & 2013–2014 National Adult Tobacco Survey (NATS). Log-Poisson multivariable regression models were deployed to determine the prevalence of waterpipe smoking behavior among sexual minority individuals controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and stratified by current gender status. ResultsIn fully-adjusted models assessing lifetime WTS, lesbian/gay and bisexual respondents reported higher prevalence of WTS compared to their heterosexual counterparts. This trend held true in gender-stratified models among gay men [gay men: PR 1.25, 95%CI [1.06, 1.47] and women ([lesbians: PR 1.38, 95%CI [1.12, 1.69] and bisexual women: 1.69, 95%CI [1.45, 1.97]). In fully-adjusted models assessing current WTS, lesbian/gay and bisexual respondents reported higher risk of WTS compared to their heterosexual counterparts. This trend held true in gender-stratified models, only for among gay men [gay men: PR 1.56, 95%CI [1.18, 2.05] and bisexual women: 2.38, 95%CI [1.84, 3.09]). ConclusionsAmong the US general adult population, sexual minorities exhibited increased prevalence of current waterpipe smoking compared to their heterosexual counterparts. This pattern is also shaped by gender and variation of sexual orientation identification (e.g., lesbian/gay vs. bisexual). This warrants development of tailored interventions aimed at decreasing waterpipe smoking among sexual minority populations.

Effective tobacco control measures: agreement among medical students.

ABSTRACTObjective:To determine the level of agreement with effective tobacco control measures recommended by the World Health Organization and to assess the attitudes toward, knowledge of, and beliefs regarding smoking among third-year medical students at University of São Paulo School of Medicine, located in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods:Between 2008 and 2012, all third-year medical students were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire based on the Global Health Professionals Student Survey and its additional modules. Results:The study sample comprised 556 students. The level of agreement with the World Health Organization recommendations was high, except for the components “received smoking cessation training” and “raising taxes is effective to reduce the prevalence of smoking”. Most of the students reported that they agree with banning tobacco product sales to minors (95%), believe that physicians are role models to their patients (84%), and believe that they should advise their patients to quit cigarette smoking (96%) and using other tobacco products (94%). Regarding smoking cessation methods, most of the students were found to know more about nicotine replacement therapy than about non-nicotine therapies (93% vs. 53%). Only 37% of the respondents were aware of the importance of educational antismoking materials, and only 31% reported that they believe in the effectiveness of encouraging their patients, during medical visits. In our sample, the prevalence of current cigarette smoking was 5.23%; however, 43.82% of the respondents reported having experimented with water-pipe tobacco smoking. Conclusions:Our results revealed the need to emphasize to third-year medical students the importance of raising the prices of and taxes on tobacco products. We also need to make students aware of the dangers of experimenting with tobacco products other than cigarettes, particularly water-pipe tobacco smoking.

Volatile sulphur compounds in exhaled air of dental students smoking the waterpipe: a nested case control study.

This study aims at investigating a potential adverse effect that waterpipe tobacco smoking may cause by comparing levels of volatile sulphur compounds in exhaled air of male dental students who smoke the waterpipe with those who do not smoke. Dental students were categorized into waterpipe smokers and non-smokers. Volatile sulphur compounds were measured using a halimeter following the completion of questionnaire on smoking and oral hygiene habits and self-perceived halitosis. Statistics were carried out using ANOVA and relevant post hoc tests, associations were investigated using cross tabulation with the χ2 test. Results showed significantly higher levels of volatile sulphur compounds in: waterpipe smokers who smoke at least once a month when compared with non-smokers regardless their oral hygiene habits; subjects who do not brush their teeth; and subjects who self-perceive halitosis. There were no significant differences in these levels for similar groups on the basis of: use of floss, or use of mouth wash. It seems that waterpipe tobacco smoking results in increased volatile sulphur compounds levels in exhaled air. Oral hygiene practices like the use of tooth brush, dental floss, and mouth wash also seem to result in lower levels.

Initiation, Progression, and Sustained Waterpipe Use: A Nationally Representative Longitudinal Study of U.S. Young Adults.

Background: Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) is increasing in popularity despite evidence of harm and potential for dependence. Intervention development has been hampered by a lack of longitudinal, nationally representative data on usage patterns and factors independently associated with WTS initiation. Therefore, we aimed to characterize key transitions between WTS states in a nationally representative group of young adults, with particular attention to factors independently associated with initiation.Methods: Participants were randomly selected from a national probability-based panel representing 97% of the United States. A total of 1,785 adults ages 18 to 30 at baseline completed two Web-based surveys 18 months apart in 2013 and 2014. Assessments included knowledge of waterpipe tobacco smoke composition, positive and negative attitudes toward WTS, normative beliefs, intention to use waterpipe, and WTS behavior. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the association between predictive factors and subsequent WTS initiation.Results: In fully adjusted models, overall knowledge about toxicants associated with WTS was not associated with subsequent WTS initiation. Similarly, negative attitudes and normative beliefs were not associated with WTS uptake. However, baseline positive attitudes were strongly and significantly associated with WTS initiation [adjusted OR (AOR) = 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2-2.3]. Similarly, baseline intention to use WTS was strongly associated with subsequent initiation (AOR = 7.0; 95% CI, 3.5-13.7).Conclusions: Prevention efforts may be most successful if they target individuals with clear intentions to use WTS and challenge positive attitudes surrounding WTS.Impact: Surveillance of WTS trajectories will help inform health care and policy surrounding this emerging risk behavior among U.S. young adults. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(5); 748-55. ©2017 AACR.

Indoor-to-outdoor relationship of aerosol particles inside a naturally ventilated apartment – A comparison between single-parameter analysis and indoor aerosol model simulation

The indoor-to-outdoor relationship of aerosol particles is affected by several mechanisms including penetration, ventilation rate, dry deposition rate and sources. Understanding the effect of these factors is essential for a deeper knowledge of the indoor-to-outdoor relationship. In real-life conditions, it is difficult to analyze these factors in a naturally ventilated environment. In this study, a naturally ventilated and an occupied apartment was used to investigate the indoor-to-outdoor relationship of aerosol particles by applying two different techniques; single-parameter analysis and indoor aerosol model simulation. The indoor aerosol model simulation approach can describe the effect of these factors based on high time-resolution calculations and it is a powerful and robust approach. Single parameter analysis is very simple to apply but it is valid under certain conditions. In the absence of indoor activities (i.e. nighttime) and based on the particle number concentrations, the I/O ratio was <1 during spring but ~1.2 during winter. Based on the indoor aerosol model simulation results for the coarse fraction, the penetration factor (P) was 0.3–1, the ventilation rate (λ) was 0.1–2h−1, and the deposition rate (λd) was ~0.15h−1. The coarse particles concentration was strongly affected by indoor activities. During extreme mechanical activities (e.g. vacuum cleaning), the concentration increased by a factor of 9 (source strength ~160particles/h). During children play, the coarse fraction concentration increased by a factor of 3 (source strength ~10particles/h). Spraying an insect pesticide increased the coarse fraction concentration by a factor of 9 (source strength ~420particles/h). Water-pipe tobacco smoking produced huge amounts of both micron and submicron particulate matter; it caused the coarse fraction concentration to significantly increase by a factor of 18 (source strength ~140particles/h). The use of natural gas heater affected the submicron fraction only and did not affect the micron fraction.

Process evaluation and challenges of implementation of a school-based waterpipe tobacco smoking prevention program for teens in Lebanon.

INTRODUCTIONWaterpipe tobacco smoking is increasing globally particularly among youth. In Lebanon, the high prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking among younger age groups calls for immediate intervention particularly given its negative health effects. To date, such interventions have rarely been implemented or evaluated.METHODSThis manuscript describes the process evaluation of a school-based intervention to prevent/delay waterpipe tobacco smoking among 6th and 7th graders (n=844) in Lebanon. Process evaluation documents whether an intervention is implemented as planned, and guides understanding of the relationship between the intervention activities and outcomes. The intervention was carried out over 5 months during 2011-2012 on school premises and during school hours, using a participatory approach. The ten intervention sessions included knowledge, skills and a social promise. The process evaluation assessed fidelity, dose delivered, dose received, reach, satisfaction, and the influence of context. Tools included observation and satisfaction forms, attendance log sheets, focus group discussions, and daily journal entries.RESULTSThe majority of participants (87.2%) attended at least 75% of the sessions. Results indicate high fidelity of implementation; 72.3% of the activities were rated by facilitators to be fully implemented - with high participant satisfaction; 89.5% of children chose a happy face to express their rating of the session. Facilitators rated children’s participation as ‘positive and active’ in 77.9% of the sessions.CONCLUSIONSMain challenges to implementation were contextual at the country and school level, and related to local pro social norms around waterpipe tobacco smoking. The experience of this intervention confirms the critical importance of context in program implementation.

Increasing popularity of waterpipe tobacco smoking and electronic cigarette use: Implications for oral healthcare.

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing several systemic conditions including cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Cigarette smoking is also detrimental to oral health as it increases the incidence and severity of oral cancer, periodontal diseases and peri-implantitis, as well as impacting negatively on the dental patients' response to therapy. Therefore, consideration of smoking behavior and recommendation of smoking cessation are important parts of dental treatment planning. However, cigarettes are no longer the most popular form of tobacco use among adolescents in the United States and globally. In recent years, tobacco smoking using a waterpipe ("hookah," "shisha") and use of electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) has increased significantly. Thus, dental clinicians likely will treat more patients who are waterpipe and/or ECIG users. Yet, the literature on the health effects of waterpipe and ECIGs use is sparse. Both waterpipe and ECIGs deliver the dependence-producing drug nicotine. Waterpipe tobacco smoking has been associated with periodontitis, dry socket, premalignant lesions, and oral and esophageal cancer. The health effects of long-term ECIG use are unknown. The purpose of this review is to inform healthcare professionals about waterpipes and ECIGs, highlight emerging evidence on the biological effects of these increasingly popular tobacco products, and introduce perspectives for dental patient management and future research.

Chronic Water-Pipe Smoke Exposure Induces Injurious Effects to Reproductive System in Male Mice

There is a global increase in the popularity of water-pipe tobacco smoking including in Europe and North America. Nevertheless, little is known about the male reproductive effects of water-pipe smoke (WPS), especially after long-term exposure. Here, we assessed effects of WPS exposure (30 min/day) in male mice for 6 months. Control mice were exposed to air-only for the same period of time. Twenty-four hours after the last exposure, testicular histopathology, and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, and the tyrosine–protein kinase vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) were assessed in testicular homogenates. Moreover, plasma testosterone, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were also measured. Chronic WPS exposure induced a significant decrease of testosterone and estradiol, and a slight but significant increase of LH. Glutathione reductase, catalase, and ascorbic acid were significantly decreased following WPS exposure. Plasma concentration of leptin was significantly decreased by WPS exposure, whereas that of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 was significantly increased. Histopathological analysis of the testes revealed the presence of a marked reduction in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules with reduced spermatogenesis. Transmission electron microscopy examination showed irregular thickening and wrinkling of the basement membranes with abnormal shapes and structures of the spermatozoa. VEGFR1 was overexpressed in the testis of the mice exposed to WPS and was not detected in the control. The urine concentration of cotinine, the predominant metabolite of nicotine, was significantly increased in the WPS-exposed group compared with the control group. We conclude that chronic exposure to WPS induces damaging effects to the reproductive system in male mice. If this can be confirmed in humans, it would be an additional concern to an already serious public health problem, especially with the increased use of WPS use all over the world, especially in young adults.

Kinetics of Exhaled Carbon Monoxide After Water-pipe Smoking Indoors and Outdoors

Despite accumulating evidence about its adverse health effects, water-pipe tobacco smoking has become very popular among youth. The aim of this study was to compare smoke exposure and the kinetics of exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) between water-pipe and cigarette smokers under different conditions. Using a cross-over study design, changes in eCO and urinary cotinine levels were measured in a cohort of 32 healthy university students after sessions of water-pipe smoking indoors and outdoors. An indoor cigarette smoking session with equal amounts of tobacco was conducted for reference purposes. Both active and passive smokers participated in all sessions. In indoor sessions, we found that among active participants, eCO levels were approximately 7.5-fold higher in water-pipe users than cigarette smokers. eCO levels remained significantly elevated even 10h after discontinuing water-pipe smoking. Notably, eCO levels in passive water-pipe smokers were in the same range as in active cigarette smokers. Compared with indoor sessions, eCO levels in active water-pipe users were reduced in outdoor environments. Nonetheless, levels were still higher in these subjects than those in active cigarette smokers measured in indoor sessions. Urinary cotinine levels were comparable in active water-pipe and cigarette smokers. Our results suggest that water-pipe smoking is associated with significantly higher toxicant exposure than cigarette smoking even in outdoor environments. Furthermore, even passive, indoor water-pipe smoke exposure may have significant health hazards compared with those of active cigarette smoking.

Waterpipe tobacco smoking prevalence and illegal underage use in waterpipe-serving premises: a cross-sectional analysis among schoolchildren in Stoke-on-Trent

ObjectivesWaterpipe tobacco smoking has received little epidemiological and policy attention in the UK despite reports of increasing prevalence alongside an anecdotally non-compliant industry. This study aimed to determine how waterpipe tobacco smoking is changing among young people in the UK, both in terms of prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of use, and to quantify the extent of illegal underage use in waterpipe-serving premises in the UK. Study designRepeat cross-sectional. MethodsA secondary analysis of two cross-sectional surveys (total N = 3376), conducted in 2013 and 2015 among secondary school students aged 11–16 years in Stoke-on-Trent, measured lifetime (both surveys) and regular (at least monthly; 2015 survey only) waterpipe tobacco prevalence and location of usual use. Logistic regression models measured the association between independent variables (age, sex, ethnicity, presence of free school meals, cigarette smoking status) with lifetime and regular waterpipe tobacco use, and with illegal underage use; the latter defined as usually smoking waterpipe tobacco in a waterpipe-serving premise. ResultsLifetime waterpipe tobacco prevalence remained similar in 2013 (13.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 12.0–15.4%) and 2015 (14.6%, 95% CI 12.8–16.4%), whereas regular use was measured at 2.9% (95% CI 2.1–3.8%) in 2015. Older, non-white, males who concurrently used cigarettes had higher odds of lifetime waterpipe tobacco use. Illegal underage use was reported among 27.1% of all regular users, correlates of which included increasing age and South Asian ethnicity. The presence of free school meals was not associated with lifetime or regular waterpipe tobacco prevalence, nor illegal underage use. ConclusionsIncreased monitoring of waterpipe tobacco prevalence and patterns, including the underage policy compliance of waterpipe-serving premises, is needed to help inform policy decisions to control waterpipe tobacco use.

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.