Trends in waterpipe use among adolescents in the state of Florida

There are indications that waterpipe tobacco smoking is becoming popular among adolescents in the United States. No population-based studies have examined waterpipe tobacco smoking trends or user characteristics in an adolescent population. In 2007, the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey began collecting data on waterpipe use among middle and high school students. Data from that first year indicated that 4% of middle school and 11% of high school students reported using waterpipe, with numbers reaching 16% in the senior year of high school. Use of waterpipe tobacco was significantly higher for males and was lower for African Americans. Those who indicated ever trying cigarettes and who reported positive attitudes toward the social nature of cigarette use were more likely to have tried waterpipe tobacco (Barnett, Curbow, Weitz, Johnson, & Smith-Simone, in press). Preliminary descriptive data just released from the 2008 survey indicate a decline in use for middle school students (3% overall rate), and an increase in overall high school use (14%) and 12th graders (20%). Further analysis will be completed to determine the correlates of use, and potential predictors of both increasing and decreasing rates of use. Focus by public health professionals and health care providers is needed regarding the role of waterpipe in the spread of infectious diseases and dispelling myths regarding the safety of this form of tobacco use.