Knowledge, Beliefs and Psychosocal Predictive Factors of Intention and No Intention to Quit Shisha Smoking among University Students in Sharjah

Introduction: Shisha smoking is common in the Arab culture. Shisha smoking is one of the major preventable risks of morbidity and premature mortality rates. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, beliefs and predictive factors of intention and no intention to quit shisha smoking among undergraduate students in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Materials and Methods: A total number of 633 university students participated in this cross sectional study. Sociodemographic profiles and shisha smoking status of the students were identified. Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence assessed their dependency and Knowledge and Beliefs Scale identified their knowledge and beliefs regarding shisha smoking. Transtheoretical Model Questionnaire measured the intention to quit and not having any intention to quit shisha smoking. Brief Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives determined the reason for no intention of quitting smoke. Results: Students who have intention to quit shisha smoking have more knowledge that shisha leads to heart diseases and hypertension and these students believe that shisha is more addictive than cigarettes and shisha has lot of nicotine than the students who did not have intention to quit shisha smoking. Dangerous to health, addiction and waste of money were significantly correlated and predicted the level of intention to quit smoking. However, mood enhancement, craving, social environment, cue experience, tolerance were the significant predictors for not intent to quit smoking. Conclusion: Professionals who offer treatment to smokers need to focus on enhancing the knowledge and belief about consequences of shisha smoking, and the predictive factors of not intent to quit shisha smoking.