Acute effects of dokha smoking on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems among UAE male university students.
BACKGROUND
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) tobacco use is rampant. A less reported, yet widely used form of smoking native to UAE is midwakh or dhokha. The aim of the study is to assess the acute effects of smoking dokha (Arabian pipe) on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems among male university students in the UAE.


METHODS
A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 97 male volunteers aged more than 17 years. Blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate of each participant, were measured before and immediately after smoking. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect personal details and data about smoking pattern.


RESULTS
Mean increases in systolic blood pressures (12±1 mmHg), heart rates (20±2 bpm) and respiratory rates (4±1 breaths/min) were observed (p<0.001). A mean decrease in diastolic blood pressures (1±1 mmHg) was observed (p=0.483).


CONCLUSIONS
Smoking dokha has a significant acute effect on systolic blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate. Anti smoking campaigns must address the ill effects of this form of smoking. Results from the study warrant further research into this method of smoking which is becoming more popular.
Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE. researchdivision2@gmail.com
Rizwana B
RB
Shaikh
Noor Mohammad
NM
Abdul Haque
Hassan
H
Abdul Hadi Khalil Al Mohsen
Ali
A
Abdul Hadi Khalil Al Mohsen
Marwa
M
Haitham Khalaf Humadi
Zainab
Z
Zaki Al Mubarak
Elsheba
E
Mathew
Shatha
S
Al Sharbatti
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000187:drug effects*; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014479:United Arab Emirates; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult