Misperception About Hookah and Its Use Among College Students

According to the American Lung Association news report, hookah bars are emerging across the United States especially among the 18-24 year old crowd. It is becoming the “new tobacco trend of the 21st century.” The American College Health Association's survey in 2009 on over 26 thousands college students nationwide reported 9% of them using Hookah during the last 1-9 days. The purpose of this study was to conduct a pilot study on a midsize-college population on the awareness and knowledge about hookah and its use. Out of 212 students who responded the survey knew what hookah is. Moreover, about half of them reported using hookah at least once a week. Approximately 24% agreed or strongly agreed that smoking hookah was healthier than smoking. These data indicate the prevalence of Hookah use in colleges and universities and students' perceptions about this drug. Although it seems that this is a new college culture and an avenue to socialize with friends thinking that it is a benign activity, the ultimate consequence of this behavior is likely to be grave. A review of data on hookah use in various colleges and universities nationwide will be performed and a set of recommendations to effectively educate students concerning the effects hookah use will be provided.