Objectives: The waterpipe, an ancient tobacco use method, is witnessing a revival all over the world and particularly among Arab communities. The current presentation aims to give an overview of this tobacco use method including epidemiology, health effects, dependence, and intervention.
Methods: Research conducted in the past 10 years have provided some clues about distinctive use patterns and social perception related to this tobacco use methods, its dependence features, and its harmful potentials. This research will be covered briefly.
Results: While far from being conclusive, waterpipe research indicates that this tobacco use method is popular mostly among the young and affluent, is associated with some distinctive dependence features, and is associated with health risks. Such information is providing the first building block for the development of effective intervention strategies.
