Abstract

BACKGROUND The aim of the study is to determine self-efficacy of young adults across stages of waterpipe cessation. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted with participation of 1012 students from Shahid Beheshti University in Iran. Data was collected within two months from May to July 2016 using a self-administered questionnaire that consisted of three parts including demographic variables, stages of change for waterpipe cessation (derived from Prochaska and DiClemente), and self-efficacy. Validity and reliability of questionnaire was assessed and approved by appropriate methods. Data was analysed by SPSS 19 using chi-square, t-test, ANOVA, and Univariate test. RESULTS The mean age of participants in this study was 21.37 +/- 2.76 years. Out of 1012 students, 345 participants (34.1 ) had a history of waterpipe smoking at least once. In addition, current waterpipe smoking in students was 26.28. Overall 267 students (77.4) were categorised in passive stages (precontemplation, contemplation and preparation) and 78 students (22.6) in active stages of waterpipe cessation (action and maintenance). The mean score of self-efficacy had a significant relationship with stages of change (p<.001), gender (p=007), residence status (p=.013), and the type of smoking (p=.041). CONCLUSION Considering the high prevalence of waterpipe smoking in students, negative intention toward cessation, and low self-efficacy for waterpipe smoking cessation amongst students, we suggest informative interventions about hazards of waterpipe smoking to be done to increase self-efficacy and resistance to peer pressure.