Author/Authors :
Malik, Sana a K. Johns Hopkins University, USA , Shafagoj, Yanal A. University of Jordan - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Jordan , Abdeen, Dana B. University of Jordan - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Jordan , Khatib, Faisal A. University of Jordan - School of Medicine - Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Jordan , Zghoul, Loai A. University of Jordan - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Jordan , Coles, Christian Johns Hopkins University, USA
Abstract :
Aims: To investigate attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions related to water pipe (WP) smoking among school children in Amman, Jordan. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2006 – 2007 of ten public and private schools in Amman, Jordan and a total of 513 seventh and tenth grade students were interviewed (32.8% males and 67.2% females). Surveys were conducted to assess the attitudes; knowledge, use of, and norms about water pipe use amongst youth, and the data were analyzed using STATA and SPSS. Results: Two hundred sixty five of the students surveyed (52.2%) had tried water pipe smoking before. About a quarter (26.5%) of the participants had tried a water pipe when they were≤10 years of age. Smoking mothers had more of an influence in attracting youth towards water pipe smoking. Conclusions: An anti-smoking campaign should start at early ages. WP hazards must be incorporated into the school curriculum. WP smoking in public places such as restaurants should be restricted.
