Prevalence and characteristics of water-pipe smoking in Canada: results from the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of water-pipe smoking (WPS) nationally in Canada.

STUDY DESIGN

This study was a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Data from the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey 2011 and 2012 was used. Outcomes investigated were ever and current WPS. Demographic, socio-economic and smoking-related variables were included in a multivariable logistic regression model to determine associations with the outcomes.

RESULTS

Prevalence of WPS was 8.9% for ever and 0.8% for current WPS (1.8% among <18 years old and 4.0% among 18-24 years old). The highest prevalence of ever WPS was in Quebec (11.3%) and of current WPS in Alberta (1.2%). Age was the strongest predictor for WPS with an odds ratio = 47.86, 95% confidence interval: 37.97-60.33 for current WPS for those aged <18 years compared to 35 + years. Male gender, urban residence, being single, speaking another language at home (not English/French), higher education, cigarette smoking and marijuana use were also significantly associated with increased WPS.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple factors impact WPS, with the younger population having the highest prevalence. This necessitates further research into the attitudes of this age group to better focus health promotion efforts.