The comparison of hookah smoking prevalence in medical students between 2009 and 2014

Abstract

Background: Hookah smoking is increasing worldwide. It is estimated that the worldwide prevalence of daily hookah smoking is 100 millions. The aim of this study was to compare hookah smoking prevalence in Islamic Azad University medical students in the city of Ardabil at the northwest of Iran between 2009 and 2014. Methods: Of 2956 Islamic Azad University medical students, Ardabil branch, almost 25% of students {737 students (226 males vs. 511 females; 436 subjects in 2009 vs. 301 subjects in 2014)} were selected to participate in this survey using a cluster sampling technique. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was used after verbal informed consent according to the Review Committee of Ardabil Branch Islamic Azad University Medicine School approved protocol. A cluster sampling technique was used. The questions focused on gender, hookah smoking status, and students’ replies to the following issues: (1) Kind of hookah (2) Frequency of smoking (3) Motivation of hookah use (4) Place of smoking use (5) and Second-hand exposure to hookah. Results: Hookah use showed significant decrease in male students compared with five years ago (P<0.05). Frequency of molasses (tobacco with sweetened fruit flavours and mild aromatic smoke) use has significantly enhanced among both genders in 2014 compared with 2009 (P<0.05). Furthermore, second-hand exposure to hookah was significantly higher among both non-smoker genders in 2014 compared with 2009 (32.7% in 2014 vs. 13.2% in 2009). Conclusion: Unfortunately, in spite of knowledge promotion among medical school students in recent years, hookah use is still prevalent among medical students. Molasses use has significantly increased and second-hand exposure to tobacco has escalated since 2009.