How hookah is used in Tehran
Hooman Sharifi, Research Fellow, Tobacco Prevention and Control Research Center (TPCRC), Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction:
Nowadays smoking causes 5.2 million deaths annually in the world of which 70% occurs in developing countries. Hookah smoking is increasing around the world especially in Eastern Mediterranean Region including Arabian countries, Turkey and Iran. This study has been done to evaluate tobacco smoking patterns in both forms of cigarette and hookah smoking and the prevalence of these kinds of smoking. 

Methods:
A cross-sectional study has been done among a random population sample of 2,053 persons in the main squares of Tehran in 2006. It has been established via non-probability sampling by giving them questionnaires which were designed and adapted according to WHO and IUATLD questionnaires. 

Results:
46% of the population had the experience of hookah smoking (50% of male and 36.8% of female). Occasional hookah smoking prevalence during a year was 45%, while 10% of the participants consumed hookah at least once a week, 17.9% at least once a month and 17.1% at least once a year (p=0.0000).
47.2% of the participants had the experience of cigarette smoking. Current cigarette smoking prevalence was 22.7% (29.7% of male and 7% of female) (p=0.0000). Also given the prevalence of cigarette and hookah smoking simultaneously, 22.7% of the current smokers and 25.01% of the non-smokers consumed hookah at least once a week (p=0.0000). 

Conclusion:
In this study, cigarette smoking prevalence seems to be higher than other similar studies in this realm. Hookah smoking prevalence among the smokers and non-smokers is very similar. 
Considering the cigarette and hookah smoking prevalence in the society, there is a clear need for more studies and comprehensive evaluation of effective factors on the knowledge, attitude and practice of people towards this issue. 

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About the presenter
Dr Hooman Sharifi is a Research Fellow at the Tobacco Prevention and Control Research Center (TPCRC), Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Iran.