dc.description.abstract | The tobacco epidemic has a significant public health challenge worldwide, affecting
approximately 1.1 billion smokers, with a particularly high prevalence in low- and middle-
income countries, with over 7 million deaths annually; a figure projected to rise. shisha smoking
has rapidly gained popularity among youth, often surpassing traditional cigarette use. This trend
was attributed to social acceptance and the appealing flavours of shisha, despite the severe health
risks associated with its use, which are frequently underestimated. In Kenya, 37% of university
students in Nairobi County were engaging in shisha smoking, coupled with a widespread lack of
awareness regarding its health implications. Despite the growing prevalence of shisha smoking
among the youth, data specifically focusing on its use in Kenya remains limited. Consequently,
this study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors influencing shisha smoking among youth in
tertiary institutions in Kisumu County. The study set out to determine the prevalence of shisha
use, to explore individual and environmental factors influencing its consumption among students
in tertiary institutions. A cross-sectional study design with a sample of 398 students from a target
population of 26,384 students aged 18 - 24 years reflecting a known prevalence of 37% was
drawn from institutions: Maseno University, Uzima University College, Great Lakes University,
Kenya Medical Training College-Kisumu, and the Kisumu National Polytechnic. Institutions
were purposely sampled, and each sample was determined using population proportionate to
size, stratified sampling was employed to obtain students across all academic years and simple
random sampling was used to achieve the sample size. Reliability of the questionnaires was
assessed using a Cronbach’s Alpha with a score of 0.718, and data collection was conducted by
trained research assistants using pre-tested questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using
SPSS version 25. Frequencies and percentages were used to determine prevalence and reasons
for shisha smoking. Cramer’s V and Chi-square p-value <0.05 were used to establish
associations. Twenty-nine percent of students had smoked Shisha in the past one year, with
current smokers at 32.3%. Curiosity (26.6%), pleasure-seeking (21.8%), the appeal of flavours
(19.4%) and peer pressure influenced (33.9%) of the students to smoke shisha. There was no
significant association between self-esteem and shisha smoking (p-value 0.407). In conclusion
high prevalence of shisha smoking among tertiary students was significantly driven by social
dynamics, peer pressure, and misconceptions about its safety compared to cigarettes.
Psychological peer counsellors should educate the youth population on the health effects
associated with shisha smoking. | en_US |