Attitude and Perceived Behavioral Control Toward Reducing water pipe Use in Women

Hookah smoking is on the rise significantly among families, young people, and especially women and it is regarded as a new challenge for public health. This research aims to investigate the variables of attitude and perceived behavioral control in reducing smoking hookah in women over 15 years in Bandar Abbas.

In this quasi-experimental study, 128 women over 15 years who had at least once hookah smoking at day were selected using a multistage stratified cluster survey design. They have classified in two groups of case and control groups (64 people per group). Data were collected using a validated and reliable questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior constructs and demographic information. Participants filled out questionnaires before the intervention. The educational intervention was conducted for the experimental group in 4 sessions based on pre-test results. 2 months after the intervention, both groups were evaluated and filled out the questionnaire. Finally, their information was assessed using independent paired t-test, t-test, and chi-square test.

The results showed that there is significant difference in the attitude score and perceived behavioral control in the intervention group after the educational intervention and the educational intervention was effective (P<0.05). In addition, the frequency of hookah smoking among women in the intervention group compared to controls has significantly decreased after the intervention (P<0.05).

The implementation of a curriculum based on the theory of planned behavior suggests the positive effect of the educational program on attitude and perceived behavioral control and ultimately reducing the use of hookah.