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. 2008 May;42(5):526-9.
doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2007.10.004. Epub 2007 Dec 21.

Waterpipe tobacco smoking on a U.S. College campus: prevalence and correlates

Thomas Eissenberg  1 , Kenneth D Ward, Stephanie Smith-Simone, Wasim Maziak
Affiliations

Waterpipe tobacco smoking on a U.S. College campus: prevalence and correlates

Thomas Eissenberg et al. J Adolesc Health. 2008 May.

Abstract

Purpose: Waterpipe tobacco smoking is reported to be growing in popularity, particularly among college students. This study examined the prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking prevalence and perceptions in a university-based population.

Method: This was a cross-sectional Internet-based survey of first-year university students, which examined waterpipe tobacco smoking and other tobacco use, risk perceptions, influences, and perceived social acceptability.

Results: Waterpipe tobacco smoking within the past 30 days was reported by 20% (151/744). Relative to never users, users were more likely to perceive waterpipe tobacco smoking as less harmful than cigarette use.

Conclusions: Because waterpipe tobacco smoking is increasing in prevalence and because it can involve toxicant inhalation at even greater levels than with cigarette smoking, it represents a growing public health issue.

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References

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