Evaluation of Knowledge and Attitude of Gerash University of MedicalSciences Students Towards Water Pipe Smoking

Background: Despite evidence for the harms of water pipe smoking, its use is increasing amongstcollege and university students worldwide. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledgeand attitudes of gerash University of Medical Sciences students regarding water pipe smoking.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in ۲۰۲۱.Out of ۵۲۰ students atdifferent major of Gerash University of Medical Sciences, ۲۳۰ (۵۰%male) students were selectedthrough randomized stratified sampling method. The data collection tool was a three-partresearcher-made questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics inSPSS software.Results: The mean scores of knowledge and attitude towards water pipe smoking were ۱۹.۴۳±۴.۱۲(total: ۴۰) and ۲۴.۵۳ ±۲۰.۷۹ (total: ۴۵), ۶۹ (۳۰%) reported having tried water pipe smoking andFurther, ۳۵ (۱۵.۲%) students were current water pipe smokers who had used at least one rock inthe past month. There was a significant relationship between the mean score of students'knowledge about water pipe smoking and the variables of sex, place of residence, educationallevel, college of education (P-value<.۰.۰۵). But there was no significant relationship betweeneconomic status, and the presence of a smoker in the student's family and the mean score ofknowledge (P value≥ ۰.۰۵). Also, there was a significant relationship between the mean score ofattitude of students towards water pipe smoking and having smoking friends (P-value<۰.۰۵).However, there was no significant relationship between the mean score of students' attitudetowards smoking and gender, marital status, faculty of study, economic status, place of residence,and the presence of a smoker in the student's family. On the other hand most users believed thatwater pipe smoking was less hazardous than cigarette smoking.Conclusion: Since the knowledge and attitude of students about water pipe smoking was not at anacceptable, it is necessary to develop appropriate educational programs at the university level inorder to increase knowledge and develop a proper attitude towards water pipe smoking.