The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Further to the revival of its use in the Middle East in the 80s and 90s, the use of hookah (narghile, shisha, waterpipe) has now become a globalised smoking habit, highlighted by national delegates' concerns openly expressed at the last World Congress on Tobacco or Health (Helsinki, 2003). Virtually transplanted, the corresponding practice does emerge into modernity as the continuation of a four century-old tradition. In front of this new epidemic, there is unfortunately nothing but a growing confusion among tobacco control activists. What is needed now is a sound scientific approach to a complex human, social and health issue.

Methods: An original specific course was designed for universities, research centres, health practitioners and prevention organisations. It reviews, among others, the objective and subjective reasons behind this unexpected phenomenon which actually baffles almost all observers. Besides, when, today, the hookah habit is exported outside the known traditional cradles, its use suddenly breaks itself of a complex network of socio-cultural links. These numerous facts are taken into consideration and original recommendations for officials in charge of public health are given.

Results: At the end of the course, the participant is in a position to answer the so “frequently asked questions” about: nicotine and tar, comparisons with cigarettes, relation with cannabis, nature of dependence, and so on. Finally, participants are provided with a substantial knowledge and the necessary tools to design by themselves the most intelligent response to the form taken by this phenomenon in their own society.