Associations Between Hookah Tobacco Smoking Knowledge and Behavior Among Southern Technical University Students in Basra, Iraq

Abstract

The number of US college students using hookahs, including those who wouldn't normally use tobacco, is rising. The idea that hookah is safer than cigarettes is one factor contributing to its popularity. The study's objectives were to evaluate the degree of awareness about the negative exposures linked to hookah smoking as comparison to cigarette smoking and to identify any relationships between this knowledge and the consequences of hookah smoking. A random email sample of 400 Southern Technical University  students was used to gather data on demographics, hookah smoking habits, and awareness of five exposures (such as nicotine and tar). Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated the independent relationships between knowledge and the results of hookah smoking. Out of the five questions about factual knowledge. Correct answers to any knowledge item in multivariable models did not correlate with a decreased likelihood of hookah smoking or susceptibility to smoking in the future. Despite the fact that most college students are not aware of the harmful exposures linked to hookah smoking, there is no correlation between awareness and hookah smoking behavior.