Women shisha social benefits make hookah smoking increasingly popular among women, especially college students in Iran. In some regions, the prevalence of hookah use among women is similar to or close to men. Social, cultural, and family contexts strongly influence women’s participation in hookah smoking.
Understanding gender-specific patterns in tobacco use is crucial for public health. Exposure to chemicals in tobacco can lead to hookah health risks, affecting reproductive health and increasing the risk of lung diseases, making prevention and awareness programs essential for women.
Methods Women Shisha Social Benefits
This qualitative study involved 38 women in Tehran who were current or former hookah users. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling from universities, hospitals, parks, and leisure centers, ensuring diverse social and educational backgrounds
Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and in-depth semi-structured interviews lasting 30 to 90 minutes. Interviews explored motivations, experiences, and perceptions of hookah use, continuing until no new information emerged to ensure saturation
Ethical Considerations Women Shisha Social Benefits
The study was approved by Tehran University of Medical Sciences and followed ethical guidelines. Participants gave informed consent, were assured anonymity, and could withdraw at any time without penalty. Most interviews were recorded except when participants declined
Privacy and confidentiality were prioritized. Interviews were conducted at locations chosen by participants to allow comfort and open discussion, providing authentic insights into women’s hookah practices
Leisure Entertainment and Fun Women Shisha Social Benefits
Many participants described hookah as a source of entertainment and fun. They spent time with friends and relatives because other recreational activities were limited or less accessible. Affordable access in restaurants or at home encouraged participation
Variations in locations, tobacco types, and pricing made hookah easier to use. The social environment enhanced enjoyment and intimacy, showing that the main motivation was leisure rather than the hookah itself
Hookah Smoking by Family and Relatives Women Shisha Social Benefits
Family traditions strongly influenced persistent hookah use. Many participants smoked alongside parents, siblings, or extended relatives during family gatherings, which reinforced habitual use across generations
Home, parks, and leisure centers were common venues. Observing adults smoke hookah shaped positive attitudes, making it socially acceptable and culturally embedded in women’s lives
Convening Under Pretext of Hookah Smoking Women Shisha Social Benefits
Hookah often served as a reason to gather socially. Women reported that smoking together created bonding, laughter, and emotional support. These sessions encouraged meaningful interaction beyond smoking
Participants emphasized that social togetherness was more important than the hookah itself. Smoking facilitated relationships, strengthened friendships, and provided psychological comfort, acting as a social glue
Impact of Friendly Gatherings on Persistent Use Women Shisha Social Benefits
Friend gatherings created conditions that promoted ongoing hookah use. Even those initially uninterested sometimes joined to avoid exclusion, highlighting peer influence as a key factor
Groups composed entirely of hookah users were preferred. Non-smokers often decreased participation, showing that social conformity and collective enjoyment helped maintain the habit over time
Discussion Women Shisha Social Benefits
Persistent hookah use is driven by leisure, social interaction, and easy access. Limited alternative entertainment and affordable availability at restaurants or homes make hookah an ongoing activity. Social and psychological factors play central roles jacoid.
Family and peer influence remain primary motivators. Hookah sessions strengthen social networks, provide emotional support, and serve as reasons to gather. Recognizing these social benefits is essential for effective prevention strategies.
