Water pipe smoking among public versus private university students in Ankara, Turkey: an online survey

Shisha Consumption and Presence of Cotinine in Saliva Samples among Students in Public Universities in Coastal Kenya

Background

Despite the well-known adverse health effects of tobacco, shisha use among students in tertiary institutions remains a public health concern. In Kenya, the literature on status of shisha after the 2017 ban is scanty. This study sought to ascertain actual shisha use among university students along the coastal strip.

Methods

We investigated confirmed and self-reported shisha use. Using proportionate-to-size and snowball sampling methods, 380 respondents were enrolled from three universities. Sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported history of shisha use were documented using a participant-assisted questionnaire. Actual shisha use was determined qualitatively using 6 panel plus alcohol saliva test kit that detected cotinine use among other selected drugs.

Results

Of the 380 participants, 278 (73%) were males and their median (IQR) age was 22 (20-23) years. This study reports 29% current use based on testing positive for cotinine. Among those who reported current ever use of shisha, 19% tested positive for cotinine, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, being separated (adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 2.06 (95% CI: 1.45-2.94)) compared to being single and studying for a degree compared to a diploma (aRR: 1.32 (95% CI: 1.10-1.58)) were associated with cotinine positive. The 4th year of study (aRR: 1.68 (95% CI: 1.22-2.33)) compared to the 1st year and reported knowledge of shisha (aRR: 1.84 (95% CI: 1.18-2.87)) were associated with cotinine positive.

Conclusion

Nearly one-third of university students along the Kenyan coast are active shisha users. Saliva testing for cotinine is a more reliable method of reporting tobacco use. We recommend upscaling of health education, re-enforcement of the current ban on shisha consumption by concerned authorities, and saliva testing for cotinine while assessing current tobacco use.

Prevalence of smoking (cigarette and waterpipe) and its association with obesity/overweight in UAE and Palestine

Aim

This study aimed to assess the prevalence rate of smoking behavior (cigarette and waterpipe) and its association with obesity/ overweight among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Palestine.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at a convenient sample of 10 largest universities in the West Bank- Palestine and Dubai- UAE. In total, 3800 students were randomly selected from the universities, with an 87.6% response rate. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The key measures were: waterpipe smoking, weight, height, cigarette smoking, dieting to reduce weight, and perception and knowledge related to tobacco waterpipe smoking (TWP). Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated using the WHO cutoffs.

Results

The analysis included 3,327 students (54% from the West Bank and 46% from Dubai). About 16% of students in Dubai and 18% of students in the West Bank smoke cigarettes. Quarter (26%) of the students in Dubai and 32% of the students in West Bank smoke water pipes. 17% of students in Dubai and 18% of students in the West Bank reported that they smoke waterpipes to reduce their weight. Waterpipe smoking was found to have a significant positive association with obesity/overweight (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Smoking is very common among university students. Waterpipe smoking was associated with obesity. More research is still needed in this field to better understand the relationship between cigarette smoking and obesity.