A current study carried out by Qatar University (QU) researchers, has revealed a connection between smoking shisha and an elevated risk of heart illness in adults dwelling in Qatar. That is notably regarding given the recognition of shisha smoking in Qatar and the Center East, the place it’s typically seen as a social exercise.
Shisha, or hookah, is a kind of water pipe used for smoking flavoured tobacco.
The study was led by Dr. Susu Zughaier, QU Affiliate Professor of Fundamental Medical Sciences, from the School of Drugs, and a contributing group of QU medical college students, together with fourth-year medical scholar, Elhassan Mahmoud.
The QU study group analysed information from over 1,000 individuals with a median age of 55.6 years who had skilled angina, heart assault, or stroke, in addition to their age- and gender-matched wholesome controls. Information was obtained from Qatar Biobank (QBB).
QBB is a nationwide analysis institute that gathers information and organic specimens, resembling blood or tissue, from people residing in Qatar. This data is utilised by researchers to examine varied diseases and well being situations prevalent within the area.
The study outcomes revealed that people who smoke shisha solely had 1.65 occasions larger odds of reporting a prognosis of heart problems in contrast to those that don’t smoke in any respect. Moreover, the study discovered that individuals who began smoking shisha at a youthful age had a better risk of getting heart diseases. The age at which people initially began smoking shisha was discovered to be considerably totally different between these with heart problems (20 years) and the management group (25 years).
As such, the analysis highlights the significance of understanding the dangers related to shisha smoking, notably in international locations the place it’s a frequent social exercise. Shisha people who smoke needs to be conscious that they aren’t immune to the well being hazards of smoking, and that quitting or decreasing their shisha consumption may assist to decrease their risk of growing cardiovascular diseases.
The study’s authors hope that their findings will immediate additional analysis into the well being results of shisha smoking and lead to elevated public consciousness by means of public well being campaigns and initiatives, to educate folks in regards to the dangers related to this exercise and discourage them from taking over the behavior, notably in youthful people.
The authors hope that Qatar’s nationwide insurance policies, resembling growing taxes on tobacco merchandise and implementing a ban on smoking in public locations, coupled with their efforts to increase consciousness in regards to the dangers related to shisha smoking, will lead to a discount within the prevalence of shisha smoking and enhance the well being and well-being of folks in Qatar and worldwide.
Dr. Zughaier, principal investigator of the study mentioned: “Observing Qatar University’s medical students conduct exceptional research that sheds light on critical behaviours or factors with a significant influence on community/public health is a rewarding experience.”
Mahmoud, joint first writer of the study and fourth-year medical scholar at QU, added: “Our hope is that these findings will increase awareness, particularly among the younger population. It is imperative that we prioritise our well-being and reject this harmful habit.”
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