Perception and Assumptions of Young Waterpipe Smokers in Mumbai, India

BACKGROUND: Hookah smoking has been on raise all over the world, including India, especially among youngsters. There is growing evidence suggesting the high school children experimenting this form of tobacco. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics, behavior, and perceptions related to hookah smoking among the hookah smokers in Mumbai. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 randomly selected young adults between the age group of 15–35 years in Mumbai who visited different dental clinics. The questionnaire was distributed as Google Forms online in the month of November and December 2019 and those who submitted completed responses were included in the study. RESULTS: Only 114 participants returned with the completed forms in the time period of 2 months. The results showed that the majority of participants were between 20 and 24 age, comprising 58% who were having the habit of hookah smoking. Among which 24% females, 76% males had history of hookah habit. Eight percent of males started smoking hookah from very young age. Males (29.89%) shared one hookah pot with four members. Forty percent of the participants stated that they are interested to smoke again because of hookah flavor. CONCLUSION: Easy availability of newer forms of smoking at online markets could play a role in promoting the use of hookah among youngsters. Most products are being sold without any warnings, and there is no means to control the selling of the products to minors. Educational intervention is urgently needed to create awareness among youth about the harmful effects of hookah smoking.