Factors associated with smoking frequency among current waterpipe smokers in the United States: Findings from the National College Health Assessment II. (1st August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Haider, M. Rifat; Salloum, Ramzi G.; Islam, Farahnaz; Ortiz, Kasim S.; Kates, Frederick R.; Maziak, Wasim
• Is Part Of: Drug and alcohol dependence. Volume 153(2015)
• Page Start: 359
• Page End: 363
• Publication Date: 2015-08-01
• Subjects: Waterpipe -- Hookah -- College students -- Frequency -- Dependence; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.05.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0376-8716

Abstract

Highlights: This is the first study of waterpipe smoking frequency and its correlates in the US. Among a US sample of college students, 6% used a waterpipe daily or almost daily. Daily use of addictive substances was associated with frequent waterpipe smoking. Being male and African American were associated with frequent waterpipe smoking. Abstract: Background: Some waterpipe smokers exhibit nicotine dependent behaviors such as increased use over time and inability to quit, placing them at high risk of adverse health outcomes. This study examines the determinants of dependence by measuring frequency of use among current waterpipe smokers using a large national U.S. sample. Methods: Data were drawn from four waves (Spring/Fall 2009 and Spring/Fall 2010) of the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment datasets. The sample was restricted to students who smoked a waterpipe at least once in the past 30 days ( N = 19, 323). Ordered logistic regression modeled the factors associated with higher frequency of waterpipe smoking. Results: Among current waterpipe smokers, 6% used a waterpipe daily or almost daily (20–29 days). Daily cigarette smokers were at higher odds of smoking a waterpipe at higher frequencies compared with non-smokers of cigarettes (OR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.61–2.04). There was a strong association between daily cigar smoking and higher frequency of waterpipe smoking (OR = 7.77; 95% CI = 5.49–11.02). Similarly, students who used marijuana had higher odds of smoking a waterpipe at higher frequencies (OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.37–1.81). Conclusions: Daily consumers of other addictive substances are at a higher risk of intensive waterpipe smoking and thus higher risk of waterpipe dependence. Intervention programs must incorporate methods to reduce waterpipe dependence and subsequently prevent its deleterious health effects.