Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Introduction
Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) often occurs socially, increasing health risks for the smoker and others through secondhand smoke effects. While messages on WTS harms enhance perceived risks for self, whether these messages elevate perceived risks for others, such as one's romantic partner who engages in WTS, is unclear. We tested this idea by surveying one member of dual-smoking couples who engages in WTS.Aims and methods
As part of an online study, we enrolled adults ages 18-30 who engaged in WTS and were in a committed relationship of at least 6 months whose partner engaged in WTS. Participants were randomized to a control arm or to one of two arms consisting of watching a brief video on health harms or overcoming myths about WTS, respectively. Outcomes were perceived harms and measures of desire and probability of quitting for self and partner.Results
Participants (N = 238) who watched either video, compared with participants who did not watch a video, reported greater perceived health risks for self and partner and that their own WTS harmed their partner. Participants who watched either video reported a greater desire to quit for themselves, perceived that their partner had a greater desire to quit, and reported a higher likelihood of quitting together in the next 6 months.Conclusions
Brief videos containing risk-based messaging increase young adult waterpipe tobacco smokers' perceived harms and desire to quit for self and partner. This can be a useful strategy to motivate cessation in couples who engage in WTS.Implications
This study shows for the first time that at least among one member of dual-smoking couples who engages in WTS, brief videos on harms of WTS influences perceived harms and motivation to quit for the self and one's partner. This can be a useful strategy to promote cessation.
SUBMITTER: Lipkus IM
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9199946 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Lipkus Isaac M IM Sanders Camilla C Mays Darren D
Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco 20220601 7
<h4>Introduction</h4>Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) often occurs socially, increasing health risks for the smoker and others through secondhand smoke effects. While messages on WTS harms enhance perceived risks for self, whether these messages elevate perceived risks for others, such as one's romantic partner who engages in WTS, is unclear. We tested this idea by surveying one member of dual-smoking couples who engages in WTS.<h4>Aims and methods</h4>As part of an online study, we enrolled adul ...[more]