Knowledge and Beliefs about the Inclusion of Health Warnings on Waterpipe Tobacco Packaging in Jordan

BACKGROUND: Article 11 of WHO-FCTC strategies emphasize the need for countries to include health warnings on packages of tobacco products. This study aims to assess Jordanian people, aged 13 years and above knowledge and beliefs about the inclusion of health warning labels on waterpipe tobacco packages.

METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional approach was conducted among youth and adults aged 13 years and above. The sample was recruited from public schools, universities, and a governmental public service agency. Data collection was done through an electronic survey using Tablets.

RESULTS: A total of 1067 participated in the study, with ages ranging between 13– 63 years old with a mean (20.9, SD= ± 6.1). Study participants mainly consisted of students making (86.7%) of the total sample. These students were in secondary education school (19.3%) or attending university (67.4%). Findings indicated that participants tobacco smoking status were non-smokers, single type smoker, dual smoker, and triple smokers (67.8%, 21.6%, 6.8%, and 3.7% respectively). In comparison the prevalence of smoking single tobacco type, dual smoking, and triple smokers tobacco products was statistically higher among males than females (11.1%-10.6%, 5.1%-1.8%, and 3.1%-0.7% respectively). Eighty-seven percent knew that waterpipe smoking is harmful and would support the inclusion of health warnings on the tobacco packet. Thirty percent indicated that the inclusion of health warnings will greatly improve their knowledge of the harmful effects of tobacco smoking.

CONCLUSION: The current study shows that participants believe including health warnings on waterpipe tobacco package would help smokers to think about quitting.