Consumption Frequency and Factors Associated With the Use of Hookah

Objectives: This study analyzes the consumption frequency and factors associated with hookah usage in Curitiba city (Paraná, Brazil).
Methods: 207 previously validated questionnaires were online administered, to hookah users over 18 years old, residents of Curitiba city (Paraná, Brazil) and comprising 21 questions—covering demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, users’ profile, use of cigarettes and alcohol, symptoms, and perception of the risks of hookah use—were posted on the users’ social networks. The dependent variables were low consumption frequency (up to 11 days per month) and high (more than 11 days). Multivariate analysis was performed using the backward method with p≤ 0.20 in the chi-square test, and variables with p≤ 0.05 were included in final model.
Results: In the results most users: had low consumption; were ≥22 years old; started consuming hookah at ≥17 years old and kept at it for ≥48 months; were single had completed or not incomplete graduation; had monthly income of ≥1,053.19 dollars; consumed hookah in groups at night; held ≥ 3 such sessions a day, with a session lasting ≥ 50 minutes; believed that hookah consumption was harmful to health and that cigarettes were more harmful than hookah; frequent symptom of hookah consumption was dizziness. Among high-consumption users (37.20%), the majority lived in the northern region (PR 3.033; p=0.006), were aged <22 years (PR 1.445; p=0.037) and bought essence at the distributor (RP 1.463; p=0.043). Those who experienced dizziness (PR 0.671; p=0.032) and consumed in a group (PR 0.584; p=0.003) consumed hookah less frequently.
Conclusions: High consumption was associated with region, age, and place of purchase of essence. This study was supported by grants from the Fundação Araucária (FA #060/2022).