| Summary: | Introduction
Given the increase in hookah use among young adults, characteristics of hookah use/users, as well as reasons for its use or discontinuation among young adults, are critical to understand
Methods
Data from a study of 18–25 year olds from seven Georgia colleges/universities (n=2865) were analyzed to examined: 1) differences in socio-demographics and other substance use among current (past 4 months), never, and former hookah users; 2) use
characteristics among current users (e.g. device types/flavors used, quit intentions); and 3) reasons for use, potential use, and discontinued use among current, never, and former users.
Results
Of the students, 56.3% were never users, 12.4% were current, and 31.3%
former users. Correlates of being a current (vs never) user included being ‘other
race’ (vs White), attending a historically black college/university (HBCU vs technical
college), and use of other substances. Correlates of being a former (vs never) hookah
user included being older (vs younger), being ‘other race’ (vs White), attending
an HBCU (vs technical college), and use of other tobacco products, marijuana, or
alcohol. Among current users, 73.7% reported no intention to quit; 26.2% attempted
to quit in the past year. Two factors were identified regarding reasons for current
use (flavors, social reasons): one factor regarding potential use among never users
(related to flavors and social factors), and three factors regarding discontinued use
(inconvenience, anti-tobacco attitude, social reasons).
Conclusions
Findings indicate the risk factors for hookah use and the importance of
particular factors (e.g. flavors, social influences) relevant to regulation/policy
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