Prevalence and characteristics of water-pipe smoking in Canada: results from the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey

•The younger population has the highest prevalence of water-pipe smoking (WPS) in Canada.•WPS varies greatly by province of residence.•More targeted health promotion efforts are warranted in Canada.

ObjectivesTo investigate the prevalence and characteristics of water-pipe smoking (WPS) nationally in Canada.Study designThis study was a cross-sectional study.MethodsData from the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey 2011 and 2012 was used. Outcomes investigated were ever and current WPS. Demographic, socio-economic and smoking-related variables were included in a multivariable logistic regression model to determine associations with the outcomes.ResultsPrevalence of WPS was 8.9% for ever and 0.8% for current WPS (1.8% among <18 years old and 4.0% among 18-24 years old). The highest prevalence of ever WPS was in Quebec (11.3%) and of current WPS in Alberta (1.2%). Age was the strongest predictor for WPS with an odds ratio = 47.86, 95% confidence interval: 37.97-60.33 for current WPS for those aged <18 years compared to 35 + years. Male gender, urban residence, being single, speaking another language at home (not English/French), higher education, cigarette smoking and marijuana use were also significantly associated with increased WPS.ConclusionsMultiple factors impact WPS, with the younger population having the highest prevalence. This necessitates further research into the attitudes of this age group to better focus health promotion efforts.