Behavior, Attitude and Perception of Water-pipe Smoking of Students in a Private University

Abstract

Nowadays, water-pipe is a tobacco smoking apparatus which is popular worldwide, especially in the university-aged new smoker group. This research was conducted to explain the behavior, attitude and perception of university students in relation to water-pipe smoking. A cross-sectional design was applied through 400 baccalaureate degree students in a private university using simple random sampling. Data were obtained through constructed questionnaires. Results revealed that majority of the participants (76%) have been involved in water-pipe smoking from friends’ persuasion and social interaction during night trip, drinking and party. The main reasons motivating them to try water-pipe tobacco smoking were self-preference, stress, social pressure, and false belief about its small consequences for health and well-being than cigarette smoking. Therefore, the responsible organizations should announce policies and find strategies to decrease water-pipe tobacco smoking.