Author/Authors :
Mohammed, H.R. University of Kuwait - College of Education - Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Kuwait , Zhang, Y. Nebraska Health and Human Services System - Public Health Support Unit, Division of Public Health, USA , Newman, I.M. University of Nebraska - Nebraska Prevention Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, USA , Shell, D.F. University of Nebraska - Department of Educational Psychology, USA
Abstract :
A nonrandom sample of 2972 Kuwaitis answered a questionnaire about smoking behaviour and beliefs. More than one-third (35%) were nonsmokers, 45% smoked only the waterpipe, 12% only cigarettes and 8% both waterpipe and cigarettes. Compared with cigarette smokers, waterpipe smokers were more likely to be female and to be unskilled manual workers than professionals or students. Waterpipe smokers started the habit at an older age on average than cigarette smokers. Most waterpipe smokers smoked only 1 bowl per day, and smoked mostly at coffee houses. Factor analysis of beliefs about waterpipe smoking resulted in 4 groups of beliefs which explained 50% of the variance. The results are discussed in terms of public health policy and possible risk reduction strategies.
