The effect of happiness-based education on women’s success of water pipe smoking cessation and happiness: a quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND: Water pipe smoking by women threatens their health. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to reduce this unhealthy behavior. This study aimed to determine the effect of happiness-based education on women’s success of water pipe smoking cessation and happiness. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on female water pipe smokers in Iran, from September to January 2021. The participants (n = 68) were selected using convenience sampling and assigned to the intervention and control groups (34 subjects per group) by blocked randomization. The intervention group received a happiness-based education for one month (eight sessions) based on the Fordyce happiness program. The control group did not receive any special education. Data were collected using the Water Pipe Dependence Scale and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire before and two months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests by SPSS software version 22. RESULTS: Two months after the intervention, the mean change in the happiness score was significantly higher in the intervention group (2.32 ± 2.31) than that in the control group (-0.29 ± 1.81) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean change in the score of water pipe dependence was significantly different between the intervention (-1.44 ± 1.4) and control (0.38 ± 0.85) groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results showed that education based on Fordyce happiness program can increase the success of water pipe smoking cessation and happiness in women. Therefore, it is recommended to use similar interventions in women’s health promotion programs.