Preliminary Results of a Longitudinal Study of Collegiate Alcohol Abuse |
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| Authors: | Robert M Hashway Sharlene Hesse Karen Nutile Heidi Taylor |
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| Institution: | 1. The Commonwealth Center, a division of The Massachusetts State College System , 900 Washington Street, Wellesley, Massachusetts, 02181, USA;2. Sociology Department, Boston College , 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, 02167, USA |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Objective: Hookah smoking is a popular form of tobacco use on university campuses. This study documented use, attitudes, and knowledge of hookah smoking among college students. Participants: The sample included 943 university students recruited between February 2009 and January 2010. Respondents (M age = 20.02) included 376 males, 533 females, and 34 who did not report sex. Methods: An anonymous online questionnaire was completed by respondents. Results: In this sample, 42.9% of college students had tried hookah, and 40% of those individuals had used it in the past 30 days. Students perceived fewer negative consequences of hookah smoking compared with cigarette smoking. Age, sex, racial background, marijuana/cigarette use, and perceptions of side effects were significantly associated with hookah use. Conclusions: University students are misinformed regarding the health consequences of hookah smoking. Programs aimed at education, prevention, and intervention for hookah use are needed to address this growing public health concern. |
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| Keywords: | attitudes health risk perceptions hookah tobacco |
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