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Comparative Study | Public Health | Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026 | Pages: 179 - 181 | India
Comparative Effects of Chronic Hookah and Cigarette Smoking on Cardiopulmonary Function and Perceived Stress in College Students
Abstract: Hookah (waterpipe) smoking has gained significant popularity among college students in India, often perceived as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking. This observational comparative cross-sectional study aimed to compare the chronic effects of hookah and cigarette smoking on cardiopulmonary function and perceived stress among college students aged 18?30 years. Fifty male participants (25 exclusive hookah smokers and 25 exclusive cigarette smokers) were recruited from Malegaon, Nashik. Cardiopulmonary parameters including resting Heart Rate (HR), Respiratory Rate (RR), Oxygen Saturation (SpO?), and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) were measured using a pulse oximeter and calibrated peak flow meter. Perceived stress was assessed using the validated Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Independent t-test analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between the two groups in any measured variable (p > 0.05). However, Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a significant negative correlation between PEFR and PSS scores in the overall sample (r = -0.298, p = 0.035) and specifically within the hookah group (r = -0.428, p = 0.033), indicating that reduced pulmonary function is associated with higher perceived stress. These findings suggest that hookah smoking carries comparable cardiopulmonary and psychological burden to cigarette smoking, contradicting the widespread misconception of its relative safety.
Keywords: Hookah Smoking, Cardiopulmonary Function, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), College Students
How to Cite?: Arshaan Ansari, Khalida Haider, "Comparative Effects of Chronic Hookah and Cigarette Smoking on Cardiopulmonary Function and Perceived Stress in College Students", Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 179-181, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26603222953, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26603222953