(23) Societal perceptions and increasing popularity of shisha in Ghana and Tanzania

Shisha, also known as hookah or water pipe, has gained increasing popularity in the past few years and is particularly common in social settings. Often, individuals are unaware of the health risks associated with shisha and... [ view full abstract ]

Shisha, also known as hookah or water pipe, has gained increasing popularity in the past few years and is particularly common in social settings. Often, individuals are unaware of the health risks associated with shisha and have the misconception that shisha use is healthier than cigarettes. WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (2005) aimed to reduce tobacco use on a global scale. While the goal of this treaty was to limit all tobacco use, countries that have ratified with the FCTC often focus primarily on reducing cigarette use, allowing for shisha usage to increase. For example, African countries were among the first to ratify with the FCTC, but are often slow to implement legislation and when they do, enforcement is usually centered on cigarette smoking. The aim for this research was to better understand the increasing popularity of shisha in Ghana and Tanzania, while also comparing perceptions of shisha and cigarette usage across these same contexts. Through the analysis of interviews and news articles, we found a lack of local evidence of shisha use as a result of limited resources and funding. This contributes to minimal awareness of the health risks associated with this product in these areas. Additionally, shisha has a social appeal and is often perceived as fashionable or glamorous. Shisha use is particularly common among wealthier individuals in these countries. While cigarette smoking is typically negatively stigmatized, especially against women, shisha is more accepted leading to increased popularity. This presents a future problem as the adverse health effects from shisha are just as serious if not more harmful than other tobacco products.