Waterpipe smoking among Arab Americans in San Diego, California

Introduction: The popularity of waterpipe smoking (hookah) has recently increased notably in the United States. A waterpipe smoker inhales charcoal-heated tobacco smoke that passes through a partially-filled water container. The purpose of this study was to investigate determinants of waterpipe smoking among Arab Americans residing in San Diego, California.

Methods: A convenience sample of 459 adult Arab American waterpipe smokers completed a self-administered survey. Study participants were recruited from Middle Eastern grocery stores and restaurants, churches and mosques (2006-2008).

Results: The mean age was 28.4 years (SD=11.53); 58.8% were males; one-half (55.6%) reported having less than a college degree, 67.8% were not married, and 64.1% were employed. 41.3% reported that the first time they tried to smoke a waterpipe, they were at an age younger than 18 years, 47% first tried it at home or a friend's home; and 46.3% reported that they currently smoke it inside their homes.

Conclusions: Regular waterpipe smokers were daily (9.6%), weekly (26.8%), and monthly smokers (25.9%). Occasional waterpipe smokers (37.7%) smoked at least once a year but less than monthly. Compared to occasional waterpipe smokers, regular waterpipe smokers were more likely to smoke more than one waterpipe head (~10grams tobacco/head) on the day they smoke (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.82), smoke more than 60 minutes on the day they smoke (AOR=3.08), smoke during weekdays (AOR=3.83), have ever been to a hookah lounge (AOR=2.23), and currently own a waterpipe at home (AOR=2.76). Findings will inform tailored interventions to curb waterpipe smoking among Arab Americans.