Assessing the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Hookah Smoking among Ethiopian and Eritrean Americans

The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of hookah smoking and describe its associated knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among Ethiopian and Eritrean Americans. Approximately 400 participants completed an online survey on hookah tobacco use, perceptions of harm and social acceptability. Nearly 80% had tried hookah in their lifetime (ever users), and about 43% had smoked hookah in the past 30 days (current users). Hookah ever use was highest among people 24–29 years of age, but there were no significant differences by gender, education or employment. Ever users were less supportive of bans on hookah smoking in a bar or restaurant compared with never users, X2 (3, N = 396) = 57.56, p<.001. Additionally, ever users more often reported hookah smoking was less harmful than cigarette smoking compared with never users. Future research is needed to understand the predictors of hookah smoking in this subpopulation and inform interventions.