Prevalence and characteristics of water-pipe smoking in Canada: results from the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of water-pipe smoking (WPS) nationally in Canada.

Study design: This study was a cross-sectional study.

Methods: Data from the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey 2011 and 2012 was used. Outcomes investigated were ever and current WPS. Demographic, socio-economic and smoking-related variables were included in a multivariable logistic regression model to determine associations with the outcomes.

Results: Prevalence of WPS was 8.9% for ever and 0.8% for current WPS (1.8% among <18 years old and 4.0% among 18-24 years old). The highest prevalence of ever WPS was in Quebec (11.3%) and of current WPS in Alberta (1.2%). Age was the strongest predictor for WPS with an odds ratio = 47.86, 95% confidence interval: 37.97-60.33 for current WPS for those aged <18 years compared to 35 + years. Male gender, urban residence, being single, speaking another language at home (not English/French), higher education, cigarette smoking and marijuana use were also significantly associated with increased WPS.

Conclusions: Multiple factors impact WPS, with the younger population having the highest prevalence. This necessitates further research into the attitudes of this age group to better focus health promotion efforts.

Keywords: Canada; Hookah; Narghileh; Smoking; Water pipe.