Prevalence of Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking
Author Information
Author(s): Akl Elie A, Gunukula Sameer K, Aleem Sohaib, Obeid Rawad, Jaoude Philippe Abou, Honeine Roland, Irani Jihad
Primary Institution: State University of New York at Buffalo
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of waterpipe tobacco use among different populations?
Conclusion
The prevalence of waterpipe smoking is alarmingly high among school and university students, particularly in Middle Eastern countries and among Middle Eastern descent groups in Western countries.
Supporting Evidence
- High prevalence of waterpipe smoking was found among school students in the United States, especially among Arab Americans.
- University students in the Arabic Gulf region showed a high prevalence of waterpipe smoking.
- Pregnant women in Lebanon reported a concerning prevalence of waterpipe smoking during pregnancy.
Takeaway
Many young people smoke from waterpipes, which is a type of tobacco smoking, and it's becoming more common in different countries.
Methodology
The study systematically reviewed existing literature, including cohort and cross-sectional studies, to assess the prevalence of waterpipe tobacco use.
Potential Biases
Variability in how studies reported waterpipe smoking prevalence and the lack of validated measurement tools.
Limitations
Only four studies were national surveys, and most studies were cross-sectional, limiting the ability to analyze trends over time.
Participant Demographics
Included school students, university students, adults, and pregnant women from various countries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website