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Al-Jayyousi GF, Shraim M, Hassan DA, Al-Hamdani M, Kurdi R, Hamad NA, Abdul Rahim HF. University students' and staff attitudes toward the implementation of a "tobacco-free" policy: A view from Qatar. Prev Med Rep 2024; 38:102605. [PMID: 38292026 PMCID: PMC10826297 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Tobacco-free campus policies are needed to create environments conducive to prevention or quitting in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), where the use of various tobacco products is on the rise among university students. The objectives of this study were to assess overall support for a 100% tobacco-free campus policy and its predictors among different stakeholder groups at the largest national university in Qatar and to understand attitudes towards specific policy components. Study design A cross-sectional online survey of faculty and students. Methods We measured sociodemographic variables, tobacco use, and support for components of a 100% tobacco-free campus policy. A total score for support was calculated, and associations with selected predictors were assessed using multivariable linear regression. Results 413 respondents participated in the survey. A majority of faculty/staff and students (76.6% and 75.5%, respectively) supported the implementation of a 100% tobacco-free campus policy, with a majority supporting extension of the policy beyond cigarettes. Support for other components of the policy varied. Among students, overall support was lower among males and tobacco users and higher among the married. Among faculty and staff, support was lower among Qatari nationals and tobacco users. Conclusion In the context of a growing tobacco crisis in the EMR, implementing and understanding the impact of tobacco-free campus policies is essential. This paper underscores the importance of addressing diverse stakeholder attitudes and providing empirical evidence to guide policy implementation and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghadir Fakhri Al-Jayyousi
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mujahed Shraim
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Diana Alsayed Hassan
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammed Al-Hamdani
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rana Kurdi
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Noor Ahmed Hamad
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hanan F. Abdul Rahim
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
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Dalibalta S, Makhlouf Z, Rabah L, Samara F, Elsayed Y. A literature review addressing midwakh and e-cigarette use in the Gulf region. J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2023; 98:21. [PMID: 38110669 PMCID: PMC10728422 DOI: 10.1186/s42506-023-00146-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
A notable decrease in conventional cigarette smoking has been witnessed on a global scale. However, this decrease has been accompanied by an equally striking global increase in the consumption of alternative tobacco products (ATPs), namely e-cigarettes and midwakh in the Arabian Gulf region. A literature review was used to outline the chemical composition of these two ATPs and review their impacts on health. The study was conducted using databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, MDPI, and WorldCat. The literature search included terms such as "e-cigarettes," "midwakh," "dokha," "heath impacts," "psychological effects," "social influences," and "cigarette smoking" with emphasis on literature from the Arabian Gulf region. Data shows that midwakh contains markedly high levels of tar, nicotine, and various compounds of notable effects on the human body. Similarly, it was found that e-cigarettes contain non-negligible amounts of nicotine and other chemical compounds that may not have been extensively investigated. Alarming reports of system-specific effects brought about by midwakh, and e-cigarette consumption, have been reported, although further research is needed to deduce the mechanism. We also discussed some of the social and psychological factors leading to their consumption within this population. Hence, this review raises questions around the safety of these two types of ATPs and encourages comprehensive studies globally and regionally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dalibalta
- Department of Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE.
| | - Zinb Makhlouf
- Department of Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Layal Rabah
- Department of Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Fatin Samara
- Department of Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Yehya Elsayed
- Advanced Research and Development, Fiber Media at Donaldson, Donaldson, MN, USA
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Awawda S, Chalak A, Khader Y, Mostafa A, Abla R, Nakkash R, Jawad M, Salloum RG, Abu-Rmeileh NM. Gender differences in the price elasticity of demand for waterpipe and cigarette smoking in Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine: a volumetric choice experiment. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058495. [PMID: 35851023 PMCID: PMC9297203 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study assessed the extent to which the elasticity of cigarette and waterpipe tobacco products differs between men and women. We also explored the levels of substitution and complementarity in tobacco products among men and women. SETTING The study examines tobacco elasticities in three Arab countries: Lebanon, Jordan and the West Bank of Palestine. PARTICIPANTS We used data from nationally representative surveys of adults aged ≥18 years in Lebanon (n=1680), Jordan (n=1925) and Palestine (n=1679). The proportion of women was 50.0% of the sample in Lebanon and Palestine, and 44.6% in Jordan. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES A zero-inflated Poisson regression model estimated own-price and cross-price elasticities for two variations of cigarettes and five variations of waterpipe tobacco products. Elasticities were measured based on eight scenarios of prices. RESULTS Demand for waterpipe tobacco products was elastic for both men and women. The cross-price elasticities in the three countries indicate the existence of substitution between cigarettes and waterpipe products and by different varieties within each of the two tobacco products. Gender differences varied across the three countries whereby higher cross-price elasticities were observed for women in Jordan and Palestine. For example, the price elasticity for discount waterpipe was -1.4 and -0.6 for women and men in Jordan, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Results on the elasticity of demand for tobacco products and the existence of substitution between tobacco products reveal the higher responsiveness of men and women to changes in tobacco prices. This should be taken into consideration in tobacco control strategies particularly when reducing tobacco consumption via taxation policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameera Awawda
- Economics Department, Birzeit University, Ramallah, Palestine, State of
- Institute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University, Ramallah, Palestine, State of
| | - Ali Chalak
- Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Yousef Khader
- Department of Community Medicine, Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Aya Mostafa
- Department of Community, Environmental, and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ruba Abla
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rima Nakkash
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Mohammed Jawad
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ramzi G Salloum
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Niveen Me Abu-Rmeileh
- Institute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University, Ramallah, Palestine, State of
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Samara F, Alam IA, ElSayed Y. Midwakh: Assessment of Levels of Carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Nicotine in Dokha Tobacco Smoke. J Anal Toxicol 2022; 46:295-302. [PMID: 33475688 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkab012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Midwakh, which originated in the Middle East, has started to spread globally with different brands commercialized online and in local stores across Europe and the USA. Dokha is the tobacco used in midwakh. To this day, risk of midwakh smoking is poorly understood. Three different types of dokha were evaluated in this study, classified as cold, medium, and hot using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The concentrations of nicotine and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in raw and smoked dokha samples were measured, and the results were compared to data in the literature on different types of tobacco products. PAH concentrations were used to estimate the toxic equivalency quotient, daily exposures, incremental lifetime cancer risk, and hazard quotient. The level of nicotine in raw dokha exceeded by far the levels reported in cigarettes, cigar, waterpipe, and chewing tobacco. Although only a portion of the nicotine is released into the smoke, the amount of nicotine in dokha smoke exceeded those reported for cigarettes. Two PAHs were found in raw dokha at trace amounts and 12 PAHs were detected in dokha smoke in amounts that exceeded those reported for cigarette smoke. The PAHs distribution showed a specific pattern in the smoke and a higher risk factor than that obtained for cigarettes and other tobacco products. Dokha products present a potential higher risk and immediate action should be taken to avoid its global consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatin Samara
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Isra Arshad Alam
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yehya ElSayed
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Ahmed LA, Verlinden M, Alobeidli MA, Alahbabi RH, AlKatheeri R, Saddik B, Oulhaj A, Al-Rifai RH. Patterns of Tobacco Smoking and Nicotine Vaping among University Students in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147652. [PMID: 34300103 PMCID: PMC8306162 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Various forms of tobacco smoking and nicotine vaping tools are available on the market. This study quantified the prevalence of and identified factors associated with patterns of smoking and nicotine vaping among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross-sectional sample of students enrolled in three public universities was surveyed. Self-reported current smoking and nicotine vaping were recorded. Of 1123 students, 81.7% completed the online survey (mean age, 20.7 ± 3.4 (SD) years; 70.7% females). The prevalence of current smoking was 15.1% while the prevalence of current nicotine vaping was nearly 4.0%. Among current smokers, 54.7% reported conventional smoking only, 15.1% reported nicotine vaping only, and 28.8% were poly-users. Conventional midwakh (47.5%), followed by conventional shisha/waterpipe (36.7%), conventional cigarettes (36.7%), electronic shisha/waterpipe (25.2%), and electronic cigarettes (24.5%), were most commonly reported by students. Students aged 20–25 years (adjusted odds ratios (aOR): 2.08, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18–3.67) or >25 years (aOR: 4.24, 95% CI: 1.41–12.80) had higher odds of being current smokers compared to those aged 17–19 years. The male gender was also independently associated with higher odds of being a current smoker (aOR: 5.45, 95% CI: 3.31–8.97) as well as higher odds of smoking cigarettes, shisha, and midwakh, or nicotine vaping compared to being female. Of nicotine vaping users, 36.1% reported using nicotine vaping because they enjoyed the flavor and vaporizing experience and 34.4% used it to help them to quit smoking. A relatively high prevalence of self-reported smoking was reported among university students in the UAE. The findings also suggest that nicotine vaping use is relatively widespread, but still less common than traditional smoking. Vigilant and tailored university-based smoking control and preventive measures are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luai A. Ahmed
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (L.A.A.); (A.O.)
| | - Marina Verlinden
- Department of Psychology, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 144534, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Mariam Ali Alobeidli
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.A.); (R.H.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Reem Hamad Alahbabi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.A.); (R.H.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Radeya AlKatheeri
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.A.); (R.H.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Basema Saddik
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Abderrahim Oulhaj
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (L.A.A.); (A.O.)
| | - Rami H. Al-Rifai
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (L.A.A.); (A.O.)
- Correspondence:
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Nakkash RT, El Boukhari N, Afifi RA. 'When I smoked it, it was like a slap in the face but it felt really good': exploring determinants of midwakh use among young adults in Lebanon. Tob Control 2021; 30:351-355. [PMID: 32269174 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2019-055529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dokha ('dizziness' in English) is a type of alternative tobacco product (ATP) increasing in popularity in the Arab world; and smoked in a pipe called a midwakh. Midwakh use is common among nationals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); yet, evidence indicates its spread among expats in the UAE as well as beyond the UAE. Research on midwakh use is nascent, and no qualitative research has been published. This paper explored the context and determinants of midwakh use among young adults in Lebanon using qualitative methods. METHODS We conducted four focus group discussions with 18 midwakh ever smokers aged 18-25 years in Lebanon. Discussions were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed using the Pragmatics, Attraction, Communication, Expectations framework. RESULTS 'Pragmatics' was evident in participants' comments about availability of a supply of dokha. For 'attraction', participants described why they prefer midwakh smoking and compared it to other ATPs. Regarding communication, participants shared terms used to describe their use of midwakh (eg, 'buzz'/taking a hit). Participants also described expectations from smoking midwakh, including stress relief. CONCLUSION Midwakh smoking is appealing to young adults due to factors such as the 'buzz', perceived harm reduction, stress relief and its ability to satisfy nicotine craving with small amounts of tobacco. As a result, despite experiencing negative effects on first use, young adults choose to continue to use midwakh, and find it hard to quit. These results have implications for prevention and control of midwakh smoking among young adults. Framework Convention on Tobacco Control guidance documents to address ATPs are critically needed to prevent the global spread of yet another tobacco product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima T Nakkash
- Health Promotion and Community Health Department, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Noor El Boukhari
- Health Promotion and Community Health Department, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rima A Afifi
- Community and Behavioral Health Department, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Hamadeh RR, Lee J, Abu-Rmeileh NME, Darawad M, Mostafa A, Kheirallah KA, Yusufali A, Thomas J, Salama M, Nakkash R, Salloum RG. Gender differences in waterpipe tobacco smoking among university students in four Eastern Mediterranean countries. Tob Induc Dis 2020; 18:100. [PMID: 33299390 PMCID: PMC7720794 DOI: 10.18332/tid/129266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Males have a higher prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) than females in most Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) countries, with a smaller gender gap than that of cigarette smoking. The objective of this study was to determine gender differences among university students with respect to WTS initiation, smoking behavior, tobacco flavors, and expenditure on WTS, in four EMR countries. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was conducted based on convenient samples of ever waterpipe smokers among university students in four EMR countries (Egypt, Jordan, Occupied Palestinian Territories, and the United Arab Emirates) in 2016. The total samples included 2470 participants. Study participants were invited through flyers, university portals, emails and Facebook, followed by emails with links to the internet survey. RESULTS Females (80.4%) were more likely than males (66.4%, p<0.001) to be in the younger age group (18–22 years) and they were less likely to be current waterpipe smokers (females, 60.0%; males 69.5%, p<0.001). Two-thirds of students across both genders smoked their first waterpipe at the age of 15–19 years, with more females starting with family members. Over one-third of males and 14.9% of the females usually smoked ≥10 heads (p<0.001). About half (46.6%) of females smoked for less than half an hour compared to 30.5% of males (p<0.001). Only 1% of females smoked non-flavored tobacco compared to 11% of males (p<0.001). There was a significant (p=0.05) positive correlation (r=0.808) with respect to tobacco flavor usually smoked between males and females with apple/double apple being the most popular. CONCLUSIONS There were gender differences in WTS in several aspects. The study has implications for educational establishments, tobacco control and women civil society groups, as well as policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randah R Hamadeh
- College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Juhan Lee
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States
| | - Niveen M E Abu-Rmeileh
- Institute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University, Birzeit, Occupied Palestinian Territories
| | | | - Aya Mostafa
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khalid A Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | | | - Justin Thomas
- Department of Psychology, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Salama
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rima Nakkash
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ramzi G Salloum
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States
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Economidou EC, Soteriades ES. Adolescent Tobacco Use in the Current Era of Multiple Products for Smoking. J Adolesc Health 2020; 66:258-259. [PMID: 31952567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elpidoforos S Soteriades
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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