Prevalence and characteristics of water-pipe smoking in Canada: results from the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey. (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abdullah, P.; Costanian, C.; Khanlou, N.; Tamim, H.
• Is Part Of: Public health. Volume 148(2017)
• Page Start: 102
• Page End: 108
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: Water pipe -- Canada -- Smoking -- Hookah -- Narghileh; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2017.03.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-3506

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of water-pipe smoking (WPS) nationally in Canada. Study design: This study was a cross-sectional study. Methods: Data from the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey 2011 and 2012 was used. Outcomes investigated were ever and current WPS. Demographic, socio-economic and smoking-related variables were included in a multivariable logistic regression model to determine associations with the outcomes. Results: Prevalence of WPS was 8.9% for ever and 0.8% for current WPS (1.8% among <18 years old and 4.0% among 18–24 years old). The highest prevalence of ever WPS was in Quebec (11.3%) and of current WPS in Alberta (1.2%). Age was the strongest predictor for WPS with an odds ratio = 47.86, 95% confidence interval: 37.97–60.33 for current WPS for those aged <18 years compared to 35 + years. Male gender, urban residence, being single, speaking another language at home (not English/French), higher education, cigarette smoking and marijuana use were also significantly associated with increased WPS. Conclusions: Multiple factors impact WPS, with the younger population having the highest prevalence. This necessitates further research into the attitudes of this age group to better focus health promotion efforts. Highlights: The younger population has the highest prevalence of water-pipe smoking (WPS) in Canada. WPS varies greatly by province of residence. More targeted health promotion efforts are warranted in Canada.