Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Hookah Smoking Among 18–35 Years Old Adults in Western Maharashtra Region: A Questionnaire Study

Abstract

Background: Hookah smoking is emerging in today’s world there is a misconception among the youth that it is less addictive
and less hazardous to health compared to cigarettes. The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and
practices of hookah smoking among 18–35 years old adults.
Materials and Methods: A questionnaire study was conducted among hookah smokers to assess beliefs, habits, and practices
of hookah smoking. The structured, self-administered, and close-ended questionnaire were designed to collect the data which
consist of two parts and comprised of 22 questions related to beliefs, habits and practices of hookah smoking. The reliability and
validity of the questionnaire were calculated (Cronbach alpha - 0.685). Informed consent was also taken from all the participants.
Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics.
Results: In this study, there were a total of 204 participants between 18 and 35 years of age. Around 75% of participants
thought that the constituent of hookah is tobacco, water and flavoring agent and 5% of participants felt that hookah is herbal.
The majority of participants were unaware that 1 h of hookah smoking is equivalent to 100 cigarettes. More than half of the
participants (53.4%) were not in the favor of banning hookah, although 46.6% of participants supported the ban of hookah.
Conclusion: The study concluded that the overall knowledge of study participants was average while attitude and practices of
hookah smoking were high in study participants.