Egyptian Smoking
Prevention Research Institute (ESPRI)1, Ain Shams University School of
Mediine 2, Cairo University School of Medicine 3, and University of
Maryland 4.
Abstract
The issue of women smoking is not culturally acceptable in Egypt. To
learn more ,an anonymous self administered interview questionnaire
survey among women attending waterpipe cafes carried out. A total of
546 female smokers were interviewed; 49.% , 28% and 23.% were current
cigarette smokers, waterpipe smokers or both, respectively. Median age
was 32.5 years with waterpipe users being younger than cigarette
smokers(29 vs 37 p<.001) . Cigarette smokers started smoking at a
younger age than waterpipe smokers(p<.016). Spending spare time was
the main reason cited for visiting waterpipe cafes for 29%, 49.% and
60% for Cigarettes, waterpipe or both respectively. 9,7% of waterpipe
smokers had waterpipes at home. Women who smoke waterpipe only smoke
significantly less often and frequent waterpipe cafes less than those
who smoke both waterpipe and cigarettes(p<.01). Being married and
the belief that waterpipe smoking is less harmful than cigarettes were
significantly associated with waterpipe smoking when compared to
cigarette smoking(p <.001). Quit attempts were more common among
female waterpipe smokers who were concerned about improving one’s
health (OR .177, CI .1.2 – 4.8 p<.001) and listen to advice from
religious leaders (OR .294 ., CI 0.12 -0.72p<.001)
Conclusions:
Female
smokers need better social outlets for their spare time. Appeals to
good health and religious messages may help a large number of women to
quit smoking.
