Comparative study on the Knowledge and be live of hookah smokers and non-hookan smokers about hookah in bandar-Anzali.2015

Abstract

Abstract Today, water pipe smoking is a growing health concern. However the problem is not just continuous growing of its consumption but there is lack of knowledge as well as misconceptions concerning the hazardous nature of water pipe tobacco smoking. The present survey conducted in 2015 is a comparative study examining smokers' knowledge and perception about water pipe and the ones avoid it. Method This cross-sectional survey was performed on 323 water pipe tobacco smokers and nonsmokers lived in Bandar-e-Anzali (Iran). The samples were selected by using convenience method from traditional restaurants and Tea houses of the city. Data was gathered using Knowledge and Belief Questionnaire. Using descriptive statistics method and a general hierarchical linear method data were analyzed using SPSS/21. Results The average knowledge scores of the participants in smoker and nonsmoker groups were, respectively, 21.11, SD 9.27 and 29.98, SD 6.11 (both ranging from zero to 40). Average perception score in smoker group was 53.4 (SD 8.72, ranging 29-81) while it was 68.94 (SD 9.87, ranging 38-89) for the participants of nonsmoker group. Test results indicated significant difference in the level of knowledge and perception of the subjects of two study groups (P<0.001). The average scores of the both knowledge and perception were higher than the subjects in the smoker group. Conclusion Given our findings, informing people about the harmful consequences of water pipe tobacco smoking might be beneficial and necessary. It is recommended to address them in any planning processes for water pipe tobacco smoking prevention.