Acute Effects of Dokha Smoking on the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems among UAE Male University Students

Abstract

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. Method: 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). Conclusion: 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.

Prevalence of Dokha Use among Secondary School Students in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

“…Only one study among 97 dokha users showed that smoking dokha has an acute effect on the heart rate, systolic blood pressure and respiratory rate similar to that seen in cigarette and shisha smokers (Shaikh et al, 2012).…”

“…Other reasons are lack of odor, absence of staining of lips, and it is quicker (Shaikh et al, 2012), thereby the smoker can practice quick smoking more secretly.…”

Dokha: An Emerging Public Health Issue as a Form of Tobacco Smoking in the Middle East

“…In general, dohka smokers would require two inhalations to burn the dry tobacco in the smoking pipe (midwakh). The prevalence and the health effects of dokha use have been documented in reports from the UAE (Nina Muslim, 2006;Shaikh et al, 2008;Jayakumary et al, 2010;Al-Houqani et al, 2012;Gulf news, 2012;Hajat et al, 2012). The WHO surveys (GSHS, GYTS and GTSS) carried out in the region have not reported the use of Dokha (WHO, 2002;2009;.…”

“…The mean age of the participants of the two studies from UAE reporting dokha use and its health effects were 19.6 (1.8) years and 21.29 (2.25) years (Jayakumary et al, 2010;Shaikh et al, 2008). Jayakumary et al reported that 11.5% of students below the age of 18 years smoked dokha.…”

“…Dokha is preferred among the youth due to the availability of dokha in a variety of flavors, in different pipe styles of the midwakh (smoking pipe) and at lower cost in comparison to cigarettes. The most common reason for use of dokha among university students as reported by Shaikh et al (2008) were strong sensation of light-headedness, lack of odor, the small dose required to satisfy nicotine craving, the absence of stain on lips, low cost and view that it was less harmful than other forms of tobacco. These 'benefits' seem attractive to youth with limited access to money and more concerned with the appearance, associated style quotient and the current trend.…”