Waterpipe (narghile) smoking among medical and non-medical university students in Turkey

Objectives. This investigation was performed in order to determine the prevalence rate of waterpipe smoking in students of Erciyes University and the effects of some socio-demographic factors. Methods. A total of 645 students who study the first three grades of the medical faculty and the engineering faculty of Erciyes University were enrolled in the study. A questionnaire including 48 questions was applied. Chi-square test and logistic regression method were performed for the statistical analyses. Results. The total prevalence rate of waterpipe smoking was found to be 32.7%. The prevalence rate of waterpipe smoking was 28.6% in the medical and 37.5% in the non-medical students. It was determined that 41.6% of the males and 20.2% of the females currently smoke waterpipe. Gender, cigarette smoking, and the presence of waterpipe smokers among family members and friends have significant effects on the prevalence of waterpipe smoking. Residence and economical status of the family and with whom the students live have no significant effect on the prevalence rate. Conclusions. Approximately one-third of the students currently smoke waterpipe. Smoking of both cigarette and waterpipe was frequently found. The measures against all tobacco products should be combined.