Midwakh-Associated Health Concerns
Recent research conducted by scientists at the University of Sharjah has uncovered significant health concerns associated with midwakh, a traditional form of tobacco smoking popular in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study, published in the European Journal of Public Health, examined 103 young male midwakh users in the UAE.
Midwakh, a practice originating in the Arabian Peninsula, involves smoking a mixture of tobacco and herbs known as dokha through a small pipe. This custom is prevalent across several Gulf countries, including the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
Lead researcher Prof. Basema Saddik highlighted that while global smoking rates are declining, the Middle East faces unique challenges due to population growth and a younger demographic. The increasing popularity of alternative tobacco products like vaping, shisha, and midwakh among youth in the UAE is particularly concerning.
The study employed various data collection methods, including surveys, clinical measurements, and saliva samples. Results indicated that midwakh smoking negatively impacts clinical measurements, with early initiation correlating to higher nicotine dependency. This effect is exacerbated when users consume multiple tobacco products.
Key findings revealed that 33% of midwakh smokers were under 21 years old, with some starting as early as age 10. Post-smoking measurements showed significant increases in blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and carbon monoxide levels.
Prof. Saddik noted that many users mistakenly believe midwakh to be safer than cigarettes due to its herbal components. However, research indicates that a single midwakh session can deliver nicotine equivalent to smoking up to ten cigarettes, with higher nicotine and tar levels. The health risks associated with midwakh are similar to those of cigarette smoking, including coronary artery disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The researchers emphasize the need for targeted prevention programs and regulations on alternative tobacco products to address these health concerns. They call for strong smoking cessation policies and public education initiatives, particularly aimed at youth, to protect future generations in countries where alternative tobacco products are gaining popularity.
Commentary by YourDailyFit columnist Alice Winters:
The recent study on midwakh smoking in the UAE unveils a disconcerting trend that merits serious attention from both health professionals and policymakers. As an expert in supplement and health product commentary, I find several aspects of this research particularly alarming and worthy of deeper analysis.
First and foremost, the misconception surrounding midwakh’s safety is a critical issue. The belief that the inclusion of herbs and aromatic leaves makes this form of smoking less harmful is not only misguided but potentially dangerous. This false sense of security likely contributes to the early age of initiation reported in the study, with some users starting as young as 10 years old. Such early exposure to nicotine can have profound long-term effects on brain development and addiction patterns.
The study’s findings regarding nicotine delivery are especially concerning. The comparison to cigarettes – with one midwakh session potentially delivering nicotine equivalent to ten cigarettes – is staggering. This high nicotine concentration, coupled with elevated tar levels, presents a significant risk for rapid development of nicotine dependency and associated health problems.
From a public health perspective, the prevalence of midwakh use among youth and its cultural entrenchment pose unique challenges. Unlike global trends showing declining smoking rates, the UAE and similar regions face an uphill battle against deeply rooted traditional practices. This cultural aspect necessitates a nuanced approach to intervention and education that respects tradition while prioritizing health.
The multi-product use reported in the study – with many midwakh smokers also using e-cigarettes, shisha, or conventional cigarettes – indicates a worrying pattern of poly-tobacco use. This behavior not only compounds health risks but also complicates cessation efforts, as users may be simultaneously addicted to multiple forms of nicotine delivery.
The clinical measurements reported in the study, showing significant increases in cardiovascular and respiratory parameters post-smoking, are red flags for long-term health consequences. These acute physiological changes, if sustained over time, can lead to chronic conditions such as hypertension and respiratory diseases.
In conclusion, this study serves as a crucial wake-up call for comprehensive tobacco control measures in the UAE and similar regions. It highlights the need for targeted research on traditional smoking practices and their health impacts. Public health strategies must be tailored to address the unique cultural context of midwakh use, combining education, policy intervention, and support for cessation. Only through such concerted efforts can we hope to curb this emerging health crisis and protect future generations from the dangers of nicotine addiction and tobacco-related diseases.
