Standardizing questionnaire items for the assessment of waterpipe tobacco use in epidemiological studies.

Lessons from surveillance of the smoking epidemic show that the lack of adequate attention to standardizing measures and instruments for epidemiological studies has negatively influenced our ability to assess spatial and secular trends in smoking worldwide. Waterpipe smoking, another hazardous form of tobacco use, is gaining popularity worldwide, with societies in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) being most affected. Several research groups are currently investigating the epidemiology of waterpipe smoking among various populations in the EMR.

Tobacco smoking using a waterpipe: a re-emerging strain in a global epidemic.

Context: The global tobacco epidemic may kill 10 million people annually in the next 20-30 years, with 70% of these deaths occurring in developing countries. Current research, treatment, and policy efforts focus on cigarettes, while many people in developing regions (Asia, Indian subcontinent, Eastern Mediterranean) smoke tobacco using waterpipes. Waterpipes are increasing in popularity, and more must be learned about them so that we can understand their effects on public health, curtail their spread, and help their users quit.

Religious identity and smoking behavior among adolescents: evidence from entering students at the American University of Beirut.

This survey investigation examines the association between religious identity and smoking behavior in a sample of older adolescents entering the university in Beirut, Lebanon. A culturally appropriate item of religiosity was developed for data collection. Results suggest that religious identity is inversely associated with regular smoking among male and female adolescents, after adjusting for sociodemographic, behavioral, personal, and environmental risk factors.