Application of Social Cognitive Theory on the Reduction of Hookah Consumption in Women: Study Protocol

Background: Evidence shows that environmental and social factors may influence people’s behavior and their choice to smoke hookah. This study determines the effective factors in hookah consumption behavior and designs an educational intervention program based on social cognitive theory to reduce hookah consumption among women in Bandar Abbas City, Hormozgan Province, Iran. Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted with two groups (intervention group and control group) using the framework of social cognition theory in women with over ۱۵ years of hookah consumption. The sample size for each group was estimated at ۱۲۰ people. They were randomly selected within ۲ stages from four comprehensive health service centers (۲ intervention centers and ۲ control centers) in Bandar Abbas City, Iran. The tool for data collection was a researcher-made questionnaire, which was validated. The educational intervention was conducted in six face-to-face and six non-face-to-face sessions in ۲ months with a three-month follow-up. One of the primary outcomes of this study was the reduction of hookah use, and the secondary outcomes included quitting hookah and changes in the determinants of hookah consumption. Conclusion: The results of this study provided information about the determinants of hookah use in women, thereby helping policymakers, government, society, health professionals, and families to take necessary measures to reduce or quit smoking.