Waterpipe Smoking among African American Muslims

Abstract

Background: Traditionally used in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North Africa, the waterpipe has garnered popularity among adolescents and young adults worldwide. A common theme is that the countries with the highest percentage of waterpipe smoking are predominantly Muslim, despite Islamic ruling on tobacco, suggesting a cultural basis. A pilot study conducted by AbuRas et al. among American Muslims reported that religiosity and cultural practice were not leading factors for waterpipe smoking. Larger populationbased data on prevalence and risk factors for waterpipe smoking among American Muslims are needed. The purpose of this study was to review the current medical literature for the prevalence between waterpipe smoking and African American Muslims.