Awareness of hookah smokers regarding its harmfulness among attendee of cafés in Erbil city

Background and objective: Hookahs are water pipes that are used to smoke specially made tobacco that comes in different flavors. Hookah has many of the same health risks as cigarette smoking. This study aimed to assess the awareness of hookah smokers about its harmfulness and identify the reasons for smoking hookah. Methods: This study was conducted in all venues of cafes and restaurants located geographically in Erbil city during the period from June 27th, 2014 to February 4th, 2015. A questionnaire was used to obtain the smoking pattern, awareness and perceptions of 325 male peoples towards the harmfulness of smoking. Direct interview was used for data collection. Results: A total number of 325 male people participated in this study. Their age ranged from 18-25 years. Most of them were singles, from urban areas and preferred to smoke in cafe (61.8%). More than one person was using the same hookah. The average duration of smoking was more than 46 minutes. Around half of the participants (49.5 %) were smoking hookah with friends as a group activity and 35.1% had a headache and dizziness during smoking hookah. The overall awareness about the harmfulness of smoking the hookah was poor (56%). Conclusion: The overall awareness about harmful of smoking hookah was poor among attendees of cafes