Background/Purpose Hookah smoking is a communal form of social smoking that has grown in popularity among college students. Hookah smoking as compared to cigarette smoking has 40 times more tar, 2 times more nicotine and 10 times more carbon monoxide.
Method Mixed method research was conducted to assess attitudes, beliefs and behavioral practices of University of Tampa (UT) students regarding hookah smoking. A survey was then completed by 746 students to understand influencers of hookah smoking, attitudes, as well as to identify descriptive characteristics of hookah smokers on campus.
Analysis/Results An online survey was completed by 746 students. Of these, 63% of the students have tried hookah smoking and 36% of those who have tried hookah smoking are current (past 30 days) hookah smokers and 22% of the students identified as current cigarette smokers. The majority of reported ever smokers were female, Caucasian and 18 to 20 years of age. The majority of students first smoked with a friend, had a positive attitude towards hookah smoking due to the social connectedness, fun and “buzz” they receive from smoking. Friends and parents are greater influencers as compared to siblings, Greek life participation and hookah bar owners.
Conclusions The prevalence of hookah smoking among UT students is higher than any previous estimate in a college population. There is a need to develop an audience centric behavior change campaign focusing on student influencers and factors positioned appropriately through social marketing strategies.