Abstract

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 São 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.

摘要

背景：水烟是一种常用的烟草设备，在西方国家越来越流行，尤其是在年轻人中。事实上，它的使用已成为世界范围内的公共卫生问题。很少有巴西研究对其使用进行研究，因此水烟文化在该国尚未得到充分研究。客观的：本研究旨在深入调查巴西圣保罗市的水烟使用文化。方法：为此，进行了横断面观察性定性研究。通过关键知情人和滚雪球抽样技术选择了29名受试者的有意样本。参与者被要求进行半结构化的个人访谈，并在参与者事先同意的情况下进行记录。根据Bardin的内容分析方法对访谈进行了分析。结果：大多数参与者是年轻的单身男性。水烟的使用主要是在团体和节日期间进行。休息室、小吃店和街道等公共场所是最常被报告使用水烟的地点。受访者表示长期使用水烟，例如连续使用 1 到 10 个小时。报告了身体和心理影响，尤其是令人不快的影响。据报道，参与多种药物的使用是为了应对水烟效应。参与游戏是使用水烟的主要原因。结论：令人担忧的是，使用水烟等健康风险行为在年轻人中被视为一种娱乐活动，因此值得有关当局采取不同的方法和评估。