Knowledge, attitude and practices of water pipe and e-cigarette smoking among undergraduate dental and oral hygiene students at a South African university
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Date
Authors
Madiba, Thomas Khomotjo
Nkambule, Ntombizodwa Rosemary
Bhayat, Ahmed
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
LAM Publications Limited
Abstract
Since the 1990s, use of water pipes (WPs) and electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) has become more
prevalent among young adults and students across the world. These products are readily available
and are believed to be a healthier option compared to conventional cigarettes. Students may also
use these products as a means of socializing and alleviating stress. In this study, we determined
the prevalence and use of WPs and e-cigs among oral health students at a South African
university. In this cross-sectional analytical study, we invited all undergraduate oral health
students at a dental university in South Africa to participate. The students were divided into
clinical and non-clinical categories, depending on their year of study and completed a selfadministered
questionnaire. The response rate was 72% (269) and 70% (189) of them were
female. The participants were on average 21.8 years (±2.7) old and 61% were classified as
clinical students. Of the participants, 54% used WPs and 22% smoked e-cigs. Using these
products was associated with being a male student (WPs: p = 0.03 and e-cigs: p = 0.02). Sixty
percent of participants used WPs and e-cigs to relax and conventional cigarettes was associated
with WPs (p<0.01) and e-cigs (p<0.01). Almost all e-cig users (94%) also used a WP regularly.
Undergraduate dental and oral hygiene students readily use WPs and e-cigs to relax, despite
negative impacts on health.
Description
Keywords
Dental students, Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs), Oral health students, South African university, Water pipes (WPs)
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Madiba, T.K., Nkambule, N.R. & Bhayat, A. (2018). Knowledge, attitude and practices of water
pipe and e-cigarette smoking among undergraduate dental and oral hygiene students at a South
African university. African Journal for Physical Activity and Health Sciences, 24(4), 627-637.