Waterpipe and co-use of inhaled nicotine and tobacco products: findings from a population-based cross-sectional household survey in Germany.

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to provide prevalence data on dual-use (one additional product) and poly-use (two or more products) of inhaled nicotine and tobacco products (cigarettes, e-cigarettes and/or heated tobacco products (HTP)) among current waterpipe (WP) users in Germany over recent years, and explores specific person characteristics associated with such co-use.

Methods: A series of cross-sectional, nationwide, representative, face-to-face household surveys in Germany between 2019 and 2023. Samples were selected using multistratified random sampling (50%) combined with quota sampling (50%). The current analysis included 61 713 respondents (aged ≥14 years) of which 1303 reported current WP use.

Results: WP use in Germany fluctuated between 1.5% and 2.8% from 2019 and 2023. The prevalence rate for 2023 was 1.5% (95%CI = 1.2,1.7). Among users, exclusive WP use declined from 41.8% (95%CI = 35.3,48.5) in 2019 to 26.3% (95%CI = 20.2,33.3) in 2023. Over this period, dual-use increased from 49.3% (95%CI = 42.6,56.1) to 62.3% (95%CI = 55.0,69.3), and poly-use rose from 8.9% (95%CI = 5.5,13.4) to 11.2% (95%CI = 7.1,16.7). Multivariable analyses confirmed a significant decline in exclusive WP use over time (OR per year = 0.90, 95%CI = 0.81-0.99), while the increases in dual-use was not statistically robust after adjustment. Among dual users, the majority (94.2%) reported also smoking cigarettes. The likelihood of using at least one additional product alongside WP was positively associated with increasing age, and with low and middle compared with high educational attainment.

Conclusion: Among current WP users in Germany, exclusive WP use has decreased in recent years, with potential commensurate increase in dual- and poly-use.

Implication: These novel data help inform on the consumption behavior of current WP users and highlights the need for targeted public health interventions that address not only exclusive product use but also the rising combination of different products.