The consumption of hookah by medicine academics

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the prevalence and use of hookah among medical students. Method: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study carried out with medical students from a private higher education institution in the south of the country. In this context, a structured questionnaire was applied on sociodemographic profile and use of hookah. Results: 247 academics participated in the research; 53.4% were female. Of these, 98 (39.8%) reported having used or using the hookah, 39.8% of whom started using it between the ages of 17 and 19; and 57.2% use it for fun; 99% do not consider themselves dependent; 23.5% use illicit substances concomitantly; 22.4% have access in the family environment, 35.7% finance the use for the family's income and 12.1% consent to the use; cough and hypotension were the signs reported during consumption (36.5% and 14.7%, respectively). Conclusion: We conclude that the prevalence of hookah use was considerable and emphasize the need for an approach in educational institutions.