10.6084/m9.figshare.5979517.v1
Jessica A. Kulak
Jessica A.
Kulak
Megan L. Saddleson
Megan L.
Saddleson
Mark J. Travers
Mark J.
Travers
Maansi Bansal-Travers
Maansi
Bansal-Travers
Gregory G. Homish
Gregory G.
Homish
Martin C. Mahoney
Martin C.
Mahoney
Gary A. Giovino
Gary A.
Giovino
Examining Hookah as an Introduction to Nicotine Products among College Students
Taylor & Francis Group
2018
Hookah
tobacco initiation
nicotine
young adults
2018-03-13 19:28:18
Journal contribution
https://tandf.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Examining_Hookah_as_an_Introduction_to_Nicotine_Products_among_College_Students/5979517
<p><i>Background</i>: Limited data exist on what young adults report as their first-ever nicotine product; some evidence suggests that they report hookah as their first product smoked. <i>Objectives</i>: This study reports on the first nicotine product used among undergraduates who had ever tried tobacco, and explores correlates of hookah as that first product. <i>Methods</i>: Participants included a convenience sample of undergraduate students (n = 1538) at four universities in upstate New York during fall 2013. Descriptive statistics assessed first nicotine product used and prevalence of current use. Logistic regression was used to examine correlates of hookah as the first nicotine product used. <i>Results</i>: Among the 832 students who reported ever use of any nicotine product, 25.4% reported hookah as their first product smoked; only combustible cigarettes (39.5%) were reported more frequently. Among students who ever smoked cigarettes, most reported cigarettes as their introductory product. Among students who never smoked cigarettes, nearly half reported hookah as their introductory product. Among ever nicotine users, current hookah smoking was common (34.9%), and greater than current e-cigarette (25.9%) and current combustible cigarette (26.4%) use. Never users of cigarettes, females, and non-Hispanic African Americans, had higher adjusted odds of reporting hookah as their introductory product. <i>Conclusions</i>: The results of this study have implications for the identification of risk factors for tobacco initiation, the assessment of tobacco use patterns and behaviors, and the tailoring of tobacco prevention initiatives among youth. Our findings suggest that broadening prevention efforts beyond a focus on combustible cigarettes may be warranted.</p>