A Qualitative Study of Chronic Hookah Use in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Autor(es)

Salles, Thais Vidal ^[1] ; de Andrade, Arthur Guerra ^[1] ; de Oliveira, Lucio Garcia ^[1]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Fundacao ABC, Sch Med, Dept Neurosci, Av Lauro Gomes 2000, BR-09060870 Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: SUBSTANCE USE & MISUSE; v. 56, n. 12 JUL 2021.
• Citações Web of Science: 0

Resumo

Background: Hookah is a device commonly employed for the use of tobacco, which is becoming popular in Western countries, especially among young people. In fact, its use has become a public health problem worldwide. Few Brazilian studies have researched its use, in this way, hookah culture has not been adequately examined in the country. Objective: This study aimed to investigate in depth the culture of hookah use in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Methods: To do so, a cross-sectional, observational qualitative study was conducted. An intentional sample made by 29 subjects was selected through key informants and the snowball sampling technique. Participants were asked to engage in a semi-structured individual interview, which was recorded with the participant's prior consent. The interviews were analyzed according to Bardin's content analysis method. Results: Most of the participants were young, single men. The use of hookah is predominantly done in groups and during festive situations. Public places such as lounges, snack bars, and on the street were most often reported locations for hookah use. Interviewees have reported using hookah for long periods of time, for instance, from 1 to 10 hours continuously. Physical and psychological effects were reported, especially unpleasant ones. Engagement in polydrug use was reported for coping with the hookah effects. Participating in games was the main reason to use hookah. Conclusions: It is worrisome that a health risk behavior such as hookah use is conducted as an entertainment activity among young people, and thus it deserves a different approach and evaluation from the appropriate authorities. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 19/06030-5 - Avaliação do fenômeno social de uso e do usuário de narguilé na região metropolitana de São Paulo e do Grande ABC
• Beneficiário: Thais Vidal Salles
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Iniciação Científica