Prevalence and correlates of hookah use: a nationally representative sample of US adults ages 18-40 years old.

BACKGROUND

Hookah use may be increasing among adults in the US. Information on the prevalence and correlates of hookah use in the adult population is relatively limited.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of current (past 30-day) and lifetime use of hookah among adults ages 18-40 in the US and to investigate the socio-demographic characteristics associated with lifetime use.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey data from May 2010, August 2010, and January 2011 (n = 85,545). Logistic regression was used to examine various demographic correlates of lifetime hookah use.

RESULTS

Among 18-40 year olds, the past month prevalence rate of hookah use was 0.6% and the lifetime prevalence rate of hookah use was 3.9%. Being male, non-Hispanic white, having higher levels of educational attainment, having never been married, not having any children, earning less than $20,000 annually, residing in the Midwest or western US, being a student, and being a cigarette smoker were associated with increased likelihood of lifetime hookah use. The prevalence of hookah use among current, cigarette smokers was 7.9%, more than double that of the general adult population.

CONCLUSIONS

Hookah use is significantly more common among cigarette smokers and among various demographic subgroups among general adult population. Given the risks associated with hookah and poly-tobacco use, targeted public health efforts are recommended. Additionally, health-care providers may consider expanding screening tests to include hookah use.