Dr Mohammed Jawad Clinical Research Fellow, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London
Abstract
Waterpipe tobacco smoking is considered a socially and culturally acceptable form of tobacco intake, despite its documented adverse health outcomes. It appears particularly prevalent among young people and young adults in selected populations. Unique ethnic and socioeconomic differences exist between waterpipe and cigarette users, although risk factors for use are broadly similar.
While frequency of UK waterpipe tobacco use is currently intermittent, epidemiological evidence elsewhere suggests there is potential progression to frequent use, cigarette initiation and other substance misuse. The situation is compounded by the fact that waterpipe tobacco legislation appears poorly enforced in the United Kingdom, despite non-exemption from usual tobacco control measures. Furthermore, targeted preventative health promotion campaigns and interventions to promote cessation are few.
Rigorous debate is needed to ascertain whether waterpipe tobacco smoking is a self-contained passing fad, or a growing public health concern warranting increased attention.
