The Use of Waterpipe Tobacco Products and Its Associated Risk Factors among University of Limpopo Students, South Africa

Abstract

The use of tobacco products is a modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of waterpipe tobacco product use and associated risk factors amongst University of Limpopo students aged 17–43 years. This cross-sectional study comprises 916 (415 males and 501 females) University of Limpopo students aged 17–43 years. The questionnaire was validated for the University of Limpopo student population before it was used. Logistic regression was used to determine the associated risk factors for waterpipe tobacco product use among the University of Limpopo students. Staying on campus (OR 2.54 95%CI 1.87 3.44) or off-campus (0.39 95%CI 0.29 0.54) was significantly (p<0.05) associated with using waterpipe tobacco products even after adjusting for age and gender and receiving a bursary (on Campus OR=3.8095%CI 2.59 5.57) off-campus (0.26 95%CI 0.18 0.39). Our results demonstrate that waterpipe smoking was more prevalent among university male students than female students. Liking the taste and difficulties to refuse were significantly (p<0.05) associated with the use of waterpipe amongst University students. Future research should investigate the association of waterpipe use with risk factors for non-communicable diseases over time.