Validating the Waterpipe Addiction, Craving, and Anticipation Scale: An Exploratory Factor Analysis

The WACAS developed in this study is a comprehensive scale comprising 6 factors that distinguish between different behavioral expressions among waterpipe smokers. It captures a unique waterpipe-specific mode of craving explained by anticipation of outcomes and addictive behaviors, confirming the theoretical framework. The scale demonstrated strong validity and reliability. Nevertheless, further refinement and external validation are recommended to establish WACAS as a robust tool for a broad-scope evaluation of waterpipe smoking.