Objectives: This study aimed to compare the quality of life (QOL) among cigarette vs hookah smokers and define its socioeconomic determinants. Methods: A total of 5830 subjects were included in this study as part of the Isfahan Healthy...
moreObjectives: This study aimed to compare the quality of life (QOL) among cigarette vs hookah smokers and define its socioeconomic
determinants.
Methods: A total of 5830 subjects were included in this study as part of the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP). Sociodemographic
and smoking habits were recorded. Anyone smoking at least one cigarette per day or hookah at least once per
week was regarded cigarette or hookah smoker, respectively. Data entry was performed using SPSS (SPSS Inc. Chicago IL)
software version 13.0. Chi-square, t-test, Man-Whitney test and ANOVA were used to compare variables as appropriate.
Results: After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, hookah smoking was associated with lower odds for total
(OR:0.98;95%CI:0.97-0.99), physical (OR: 0.96;95%CI:0.94-0.98) and psychological (OR:0.93;95%CI:0.91-0.95) domains of
QOL scores relative to never smokers, even lower than corresponding figures for cigarette smokers.
Conclusion: Contrary to popular belief that hookah smoking is considered a hobby, hookah smoking is associated with lower
quality of life scores, even more than cigarette smokers. This necessitates more attention by health professionals regarding
providing advice and support for hookah smokers. Improved quality of life can be highlighted as a benefit of smoking
cessation for hookah smokers.
