Patterns of Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking Among U.S. Young Adults, 2013−2014

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, focusing on waterpipe smoking patterns among young adults in the U.S. Readers will learn about the demographic characteristics of waterpipe smokers, frequency of use, and the connection between waterpipe smoking and other tobacco and nicotine products.

Key Points:

* The study sample included 9,116 young adults, aged 18-24 years.
* 44.2% of young adults have ever tried waterpipe smoking, and 10.7% have smoked in the past 30 days.
* Among past-30 day waterpipe smokers, 4% smoke daily, 23% smoke weekly, 36% smoke monthly, and 37% smoke less than monthly.
* The average waterpipe smoking session lasts for more than 30 minutes for 79% of respondents.
* 29.3% of past-30 day waterpipe smokers do not use other tobacco products.
* Exclusive waterpipe smoking differs by gender and education, with 23.4% of men and 37.5% of women being exclusive waterpipe smokers.
* Other combinations of poly tobacco use are reported by 40.3% of past-30 day waterpipe smokers.

Main Message:
Waterpipe smoking is widespread among U.S. young adults, with the majority reporting intermittent use. However, the prolonged exposure during each smoking session and the connection to poly tobacco use highlight the need for a strong regulatory response to prevent future waterpipe-related morbidity and mortality. The study's findings emphasize the importance of addressing waterpipe smoking as a significant public health problem, requiring targeted prevention and cessation efforts.

Salloum, Ramzi G., James F. Thrasher, Kayla R. Getz, Tracey E. Barnett, Taghrid Asfar, and Wasim Maziak. “Patterns of Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking Among U.S. Young Adults, 2013−2014.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine 52, no. 4 (April 2017): 507–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2016.10.015.