Tobacco use in shisha: Studies on waterpipe smoking

Many waterpipe smokers (57%) have a misconception that it is less harmful than cigarette
smok<strong>in</strong>g. Even those who do not th<strong>in</strong>k this way reported that waterpipe smok<strong>in</strong>g decreases the
amount of cigarette consumption (Figure 4.11). Most of the participants showed respect for
nonsmok<strong>in</strong>g areas (Figure 4.12).
The changes <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividual smok<strong>in</strong>g patterns reported among rural Egyptian smokers were
mostly m<strong>in</strong>imal (Figure 4.13).
Quitt<strong>in</strong>g waterpipe smok<strong>in</strong>g among rural Egyptians
Most of the smokers <strong>in</strong>terviewed were will<strong>in</strong>g to quit (Figure 4.14). Many of them stated
that they could quit whenever they wanted (Figure 4.15). However, only a few had tried to quit
dur<strong>in</strong>g the year before the study (Figure 4.16). The most common reason for quitt<strong>in</strong>g smok<strong>in</strong>g
was to improve health.
Most of the smokers <strong>in</strong>terviewed who had attempted to quit reported that they had received
help. It was ma<strong>in</strong>ly provided by a family member (Table 4.1)
%
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
Cigarette
Waterpipe
Both
No Yes Not sure
Figure 4.15 Perceived ability to quit
smok<strong>in</strong>g among rural Egyptians
%
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
0
Cigarette
Waterpipe
Both
1 2 3+
Number of trials dur<strong>in</strong>g last year
Figure 4.16 Smok<strong>in</strong>g quitt<strong>in</strong>g
attempts among rural Egyptians
45