• Tracey E Barnett, Scott L Tomar, Felix E Lorenzo, Jamie R Forrest, Lauren Porter, and Matthew J Gurka.
• Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. Electronic address: tebarnett@phhp.ufl.edu.
• Am J Prev Med. 2017 Feb 1; 52 (2): 220223220-223.

IntroductionAdolescent use of hookah continues to increase in the U.S., even in states that have reported decreases in traditional cigarette use among youth. Hookah use typically involves smoking a moistened, loose, sweetened tobacco product with charcoal as the heat source.MethodsData from the 2011-2014 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey were analyzed in 2016 to determine trends in the prevalence of lifetime hookah use (at least once in the adolescent's lifetime) and current hookah use (used in the past 30 days) among high school students (grades 9-12).ResultsIn 2014, a total of 22.5% of Florida public high school students reported ever smoking a hookah, up from 18.2% in 2011. Current hookah use was reported by 11.6% of high school students, an increase from 8.0% in 2011. Female high school students had an increase in use whereas male students' prevalence was relatively stable. Hispanic and non-Hispanic black students reported significant increases over time.ConclusionsThe increase in hookah use among adolescents needs continuous monitoring given the recent increase after relatively stable patterns. Efforts are needed to reduce the appeal and use of hookah by young people.Copyright © 2017 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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