A descriptive study of the perceptions and behaviours of waterpipe use by university students in the Western Cape, South Africa
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Date
2013
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
BioMed Central
Abstract
Background: Waterpipe smoking started as a cultural phenomenon but has become a social phenomenon.
Hookah cafes are an increasingly popular venue for socializing. Studies suggest that waterpipe users perceive
smoking the waterpipe as less addictive and harmful than cigarette smoking. The aim of this study was to assess
the beliefs, and associated behaviours, regarding the health-risk of smoking the waterpipe.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a sample of first year students at a historically
black university in the Western Cape, South Africa. A self-administered questionnaire was constructed from the
College Health Behaviour Survey. The final sample was 389 university students, 64% (250) females and 36% (139)
males. The sample had a mean age of 22.2 years (SD = 5.04).
Results: Waterpipe users perceived the health risks of smoking the waterpipe to be exaggerated (48%) and less
addictive (58%) than non-users (13% and 17%, p<.001). Additionally, the findings confirm that waterpipe smoking is
conducted in a social setting (61%). This social setting included smoking on campus (28%), in the family home
(11%), at a party (9%), at a friend’s place (6%) and in a restaurant (1%). Of concern was the majority of users smoked
the waterpipe on a daily basis (70%) and that the tobacco mix was easily available (90%). The most common
self-reported reason for smoking the waterpipe was for relaxation.
Conclusion: As with previous studies, the results of this study confirm the false perception that smoking the
waterpipe is not a health risk and is socially acceptable. Additionally, the findings of the study raise concerns and
an awareness of smoking the waterpipe in the family home and implications for children. The results of this study
provide important information for tobacco control and substance abuse policies in South Africa. These findings
highlight the need for further research to determine the extent of waterpipe smoking at other universities in South
Africa.
Description
Keywords
Hookah pipe, Water pipe, Tobacco, Health risk
Citation
Daniels, K. and Roman, N.V. (2013). A descriptive study of the perceptions and behaviours of waterpipe use by university students in the Western Cape, South Africa. Tobacco Induced Diseases, 11 (4): 1-5