Socio-Economic Correlates Of Shisha Or Waterpipe Smoking In Misurata, Libya.

Background: Hookah or Shisha smoking is a major public health problem in Arab countries, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Aim: To study the effect of socioeconomic factors on Hookah or Shisha smoking in Misurata, Libya. Method: Data was collected from 242 regular Hookah smokers in Misurata, Libya using a structured questionnaire. Results: The majority of smokers in this study (34.4%) were of the age group 35-44 years. (Mean age 41.2 and Standard deviation 10.92). Almost half of the Hookah users in the study were businessmen (47%). Majority of the Hookah or water-pipe users (68.8%) were of high income group. Those with a lower income started Hookah smoking, at an earlier age (p<.001). Duration of use was significantly higher in the low income group. Most of the Hookah smokers in this study were having high education (75%). Smokers with lower education level, started the Hookah smoking at an earlier age (p<.001) and the duration of Hookah use was higher among primary school education group (p<.001). Conclusion: Lower education and lower income was significantly associated with early initiation and long duration of Hookah usage.