PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTS IN SHISHA-ONLY SMOKERS AND ITS CORRELATION WITH INSOMNIA IN LEBANON

Authors

Nariman Salem, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, LebanonFollow
Maha Deif, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, LebanonFollow
Youssef Hatem, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, LebanonFollow

Keywords

Shisha-smokers, PFT, PSQI, Physical activity, age less than 50.

Disciplines

Architecture | Business | Life Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Shisha smoking is continuing to be a socially acceptable method of tobacco smoking especially in the young population worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of shisha smoking on pulmonary function tests (PFT) and its correlation with insomnia in Lebanon. 382 shisha-only smokers who are less than 50 years old were recruited. A questionnaire form including inquiry about some demographic data, shisha smoking history, level of physical activity and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was administered to the participants after signing an informed consent. Forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC ratio were recorded using a portable spirometer. More than half of the participants showed an abnormal pattern on spirometry. Two thirds of the participants showed a global PSQI score higher than 5 indicating poor sleep quality. Yet, no statistically significant values could be detected in relating longevity of shisha smoking, last time shisha has been smoked or duration of shisha smoking session and the presence of either abnormal patterns of PFT or poor sleep quality. A statistically significant correlation showed only between the level of physical activity and normal PFT. Shisha-only smokers with frequent physical activity had significantly better PFT pattern than those with no physical activity (P< 0.011). In conclusion, this study suggests that in population younger than 50 years old, shisha smoking seems not as harmful as widely believed especially in regards to lung functions and insomnia. Physical activity is a positive predictor of normal PFT.

Recommended Citation

Salem, Nariman; Deif, Maha; and Hatem, Youssef (2019) "PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTS IN SHISHA-ONLY SMOKERS AND ITS CORRELATION WITH INSOMNIA IN LEBANON," BAU Journal - Health and Wellbeing: Vol. 1: Iss. 2, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54729/2789-8288.1006