Dokha use-prevalence, predictors and the perception of youth residing in the UAE
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College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Publication date: 2023-04-27
Popul. Med. 2023;5(Supplement):A1612
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: The study determined the prevalence, predictors, and perception of youth residing in the UAE towards Dokha use. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses working in a tertiary care centre in Ajman, UAE. A self-administered online questionnaire was used. Results: The present study included 552 youth. Among the total, 310 were below the age of 20 years and 169 were >=20 years, 300 were non-Arabs and 179 were Arabs. Among the total, 25 (4.5%) were dokha smokers, 454 (82.2%) with no habits and 73 913.2%) with other types of tobacco habits. This study observed an association between Dokha use and, gender, age and nationality (P<0.05). Among the males, the prevalence was 12 (13%) and 12 (3.2%) were Dokha users among females. Concerning to age group, 3.5% and 8.3 respectively, for ages <20 years and >=20 years. Prevalence among non-Arab nationals was 6 (2%) and 19 (10.6%) among Arabs nationals. To determine the degree of association, simple and multiple logistic regression were used. The crude OR observed was statistically significant; hence all the variables were included in the multiple logistic regression. The adjusted OR was 2.5 for age, 5.3 for nationality and 1.8 for gender. All the AOR observed was statistically significant (P<0.05). The reasons why they started the habits were asked among the users. 13 (52%) each said recreation, peer pressure and feeling good. 17 (68%) each said relief from university problems, for fun, to control mood, experimentation, emotional distress and social gathering. 13 (52%) each said they had no fear of addiction and parental smoking. 7 (28%) each said low self-esteem and to overcome low confidence; 22 (88%) because of anxiety and stress; 15 (60%) said availability. Conclusions: The prevalence of dokha use was 4.5%. The predicates were gender, nationality, and age.