ABSTRACT
To assess the acute effects of dokha smoking on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems among male university students in the UAE. A quasi-experimental study was conducted during the months of November-December, 2009 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. Mean increases in systolic bloc pressures [12 +/- mmHg], heart rates [20 +/- 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] 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 in this method of smoking which is becoming popular