Assessment of the Emerging Trend of Shisha Smoking in Accra Metropolis

Abstract

Background Water pipe (shisha) smoking is gaining popularity worldwide, but no research has been undertaken to determine the drawers and facilitating factors in Ghana. This dissertation was aimed at assessing the characteristics of the shisha smoking population in selected areas in the Accra Metropolis and the factors influencing their choice of shisha. Methodology This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 210 participants between the ages of 18 – 59, who had smoked shisha in the last 30 days in the Accra Metropolis. The snowball sampling technique was employed to select participants. Quantitative data obtained was entered into the STATA software package Version 13, and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, logistic regression, chi2 and Kruskal-Wallis’ test. Results: Shisha smoking was initiated by respondents at a mean age of 23.2 ± 4.6 years. Moassel was the most common type of tobacco, smoked by 56.3% of participants. Water was most frequently used by respondents (68.4%) as the liquid in the “water bowl”. Weed (marijuana) was reported as a constituent of the shisha smoked by about 10% of respondents. Using the Kruskal-Wallis test, significant differences in the mean days smoked in the past 30 days were found by age (χ2=9.6, p<0.0223), gender (χ2=4.1, p<0.0427), employment status (χ2=6.5, p<0.0387), religion (χ2=12.5, p<0.0289), smoking status (mixed/exclusive smoker) and the perception that shisha was safer than cigarettes (χ2=9.7, p<0.0078). Females were 3 times [OR (95% CI)=3.1(1.3, 7.4), p<0.011] more likely to quit smoking shisha compared to males. The bar/club emerged as the most popular place where shisha was smoked by participants (52%). About half of the participants was drawn to shisha because of the sweet smell, taste and fashionable appeal. About 58% of participants reported being first introduced to shisha by a friend. Only 15% of participants had seen health warnings on shisha packages. A significant difference (χ2=18.7, p<0.0001) was observed between first time smokers’ ability to predict that shisha contained tobacco and that of regular smokers. About 72% of respondents assumed shisha was safer than cigarettes, while 13.6% did not know. Conclusion: The study revealed that, shisha smoking is becoming common in the Accra Metropolis and despite this most respondents were not aware of the health hazards associated with smoking shisha. Efforts directed at reducing tobacco smoking prevalence and narcotics use in Ghana could under-achieve its results if the emerging trend of shisha smoking is not addressed. Further research on the prevalence of shisha smoking in Ghana and its use among adolescents is recommended.