Factors Affecting Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking among University Students in Qatar

Background

Recent data show an increase in the prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) among university students in the Arab Gulf region alongside an attitude of social acceptability and a perception that WTS is less harmful than traditional cigarette smoking.

Objective

This study measures the prevalence of WTS among university students and examines the individual, sociocultural, and environmental factors influencing this practice.

Methods

Participants were selected through stratified random sampling of students in the largest national university in Qatar. Data were collected anonymously using an online questionnaire. Descriptive univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted to examine the association of WTS with participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes.

Results

199 students completed the questionnaire. Among students who reported using tobacco products, waterpipe (shisha) was the most common product (70.6%). WTS was significantly associated with having a mother (p = 0.015) or a close friend (p < 0.001) who smoked. Compared to non-users, waterpipe tobacco users were significantly more likely to believe that waterpipe tobacco is less addictive than cigarettes (p = 0.009) and significantly less likely to believe that waterpipe tobacco can lead to cardiovascular diseases (p = 0.003) or dental problems (p = 0.02). More waterpipe tobacco users than non-users disagreed that parents (p = 0.005) or advertisements (p = 0.002) could influence use. More waterpipe tobacco users (70%) than non-users (37%) believed that females were more comfortable using waterpipes than cigarettes.

Conclusions and implications

The findings shed light on factors shaping WTS and provide evidence for designing multilevel behavioral interventions to decrease the prevalence of WTS among youth.

Other Information

Published in: Substance Use & Misuse
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
See article on publisher's website: https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2021.2012695