Motivators of impulsivity to smoke waterpipe tobacco among Nigerian youth who smoke waterpipe tobacco: the moderating role of social media normalisation of waterpipe tobacco

Abstract

Background Impulsivity is a formidable cause of waterpipe tobacco smoking among youth, however, it is understudied among African youth. Using PRIME behavioural theory, this study aimed to develop a model that examines the motivators of impulsivity to smoke waterpipe tobacco in linkage to the moderating role of social media normalisation of waterpipe tobacco, specifically among youth in Nigeria who smoke waterpipe tobacco. Methods Data were drawn from 695 respondents who smoke waterpipe tobacco across six Nigerian universities in the South-West zone using the chain-referral sampling procedure. Descriptive analyses of the obtained data were carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The constructs in the developed model were validated through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS version 3. Results Among Nigerian youth who smoke waterpipe tobacco, intention (β = 0.442, P < 0.001) was the strongest motivator of impulsivity to smoke waterpipe tobacco as compared to positive evaluations (β = 0.302, P < 0.001). In addition, social media normalisation of waterpipe tobacco acted as a moderator that strengthened the relationship between intention and impulsivity (β = 0.287, P < 0.01), as well as, between positive evaluations and impulsivity (β = 0.186, P < 0.01) among youth. Conclusion Intention greatly instigates Nigerian youth’s impulsivity to smoke waterpipe tobacco, and social media normalisation of waterpipe tobacco also considerably increases their impulsivity to smoke waterpipe tobacco. Youth-focused educational waterpipe tobacco cessation-oriented programmes that utilise diverse constructive-based learning approaches like illustrative learning and counselling, can help to enlighten and encourage Nigerian youth on the importance of shunning the desirability to smoke waterpipe tobacco.

The Impact of Sharing a Shisha (Hookah) Mouthpiece during Smoking: Case of Tuberculosis and Hepatitis in South Saharan Africa

“…One significant determinant influencing the adoption of shisha smoking among adolescent students is the presence of a family member who engages in such behavior. Hence, campaigns aimed at discouraging both smoking and shisha consumption among adults are equally imperative [23].…”

Prevalence and associated factors of shisha smoking among students in Senegal: Global Youth Tobacco Survey 2020

“…Despite the health risks associated with shisha smoking, there are few studies on shisha smoking among youth in West Africa and none in Senegal. The studies conducted in West African countries, including Ghana 21 , The Gambia 22 , Nigeria 23 and Guinea Bissau 24 , have shown that shisha smoking is an emerging public health challenge in this region. Studies are needed to inform education campaigns, policy, and enforcement.…”