Youth attitudes towards water pipe smoking in Amman - Jordan

ABSTRACT

To investigate attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions related to water pipe [WP] smoking among school children in Amman, Jordan. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2006 - 2007 of ten public and private schools in Amman, Jordan and a total of 513 seventh and tenth grade students were interviewed [32.8% males and 67.2% females]. Surveys were conducted to assess the attitudes; knowledge, use of, and norms about water pipe use amongst youth, and the data were analyzed using STATA and SPSS. Two hundred sixty five of the students surveyed [52.2%] had tried water pipe smoking before. About a quarter [26.5%] of the participants had tried a water pipe when they were <10 years of age. Smoking mothers had more of an influence in attracting youth towards water pipe smoking. An anti-smoking campaign should start at early ages. WP hazards must be incorporated into the school curriculum. WP smoking in public places such as restaurants should be restricted