Effect of risk messages on risk appraisals, attitudes, ambivalence, and willingness to smoke hookah in young adults

Abstract

Objective: We examined effects of hookah tobacco risk messages on risk appraisals, attitudes towards hookah, ambivalence about hookah use, and willingness to smoke in young adults aged 18–30 years (n = 234). Design: In an online experiment, participants completed pre-exposure measures and were randomized to hookah tobacco risk messages or to a no message control condition. Main Outcome Measures: Risk appraisals, attitudes, ambivalence, and willingness to smoke hookah. Results: Those who viewed risk messages reported greater risk appraisals (M 4.50, SD 1.17 vs. M 3.87, SD 1.16, p