Waterpipe smoking, internet addiction and depression: A public health problem trio?

Abstract

Background: Waterpipe smoking and Internet addiction may result in a new public health problem globally. This study aimed to explore waterpipe use among a large group of adolescents and its association with Internet use, mental health, primarily depression and their demographic characteristics. Methods: Using a stratified random sampling method, 2054 tertiary school students aged 14-18 years were recruited in 2019. Demographical information and use of tobacco products (eg, waterpipe) were explored and compared with severity of Internet addiction and mental status. Results: A total of 288 (14.0%) adolescents had ever used waterpipe. Multivariate logistic regression analyses suggested that being male (OR = 2.55 and 95% CI = 1.98-3.30; P =.0001), being depressed (OR = 1.62 and 95% CI = 1.24-2.11) and excessive Internet use (OR = 1.94 and 95% CI = 1.50-2.52; P =.0001) were significantly associated with waterpipe use. Family income and parents’ educational status showed no relationship with waterpipe smoking. Conclusions: We suggest that adolescents who are depressed and who use the Internet excessively are at an increased risk for waterpipe use, independent of income and parenteral education. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd