Determining the perceived risk of lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) among hookah users in Iran

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Hookah consumption is harmful to human health and can cause various diseases. Developing lung cancer and other lung diseases are one of the health consequences of hookah consumption. Measuring the perceived risk of being diagnosed with these conditions among hookah users is necessary. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the perceived risk of lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in hookah users in Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with a descriptive-analytical approach on 340 hookah users. These people were recruited through available sampling. The information on the perceived risk of participants was collected through a questionnaire on the perceived risk of lung cancer and COPD. Data were analyzed through descriptive tests and multiple linear regression tests. These analyses were performed using Stata statistical software version 17. Results The average age of the participants was 28.14 ± 7.22 years and the average for duration of their consumption with the current pattern was 4.29 ± 3.81 years. From all the participants, 286 people (84.1%) were men. The mean and standard deviation of the perceived risk for lung cancer was 8.41 ± 5.50 and for COPD was 8.51 ± 5.58 out of 20 possible scores. The results of multiple linear regression generally showed that the predictor variables accounted for 40% of the changes in the perceived risk of lung cancer (F(22, 317) = 11.25, p < 0.001) and 41% of the changes in the perceived risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (F(22, 317) = 12.11, p < 0.001). The results indicated that people with lung cancer and COPD, who use other forms of tobacco, people who are in preparation and contemplation stages of change, and those who have a negative attitude toward hookah reported higher perceived risks. In terms of gender variables, compared to men, women had a higher perceived risk of COPD, but this difference has not been observed with lung cancer. Conclusion In general, the perceived risk of developing lung cancer and COPD among hookah users was low. Therefore, it is necessary to provide widespread information about the potential harm of hookah in causing lung cancer and COPD, at the community level. Also, targeted interventions should be developed for those who use other forms of tobacco along with hookah and people who are not thinking of quitting hookah. There should be extensive knowledge dissemination at the population level to correct misconceptions that hookah is harmless, non-addictive, and it’s easy to quit.