Assessing the Effects of Bakhour on Pulmonary Functions in Young Adults in Saudi Arabia

Background Bakhour, a traditional incense commonly used in Saudi Arabia, is widely burned indoors, raising concerns about its impact on pulmonary health. Studies on the respiratory effects of Bakhour are limited. Objective This study aims to assess the effects of Bakhour exposure on pulmonary function in young adults in Saudi Arabia, evaluating prevalence, pulmonary function test (PFT) comparisons, and correlations with demographic factors. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Maarefa University, Riyadh, from November 2022 to August 2023. A total of 130 voluntary participants aged 18 and above were recruited. Standard spirometry tests were performed, and data were analyzed using SPSS v28 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US). Results Bakhour use was more common among men (86.2%) as compared to women (69.2%) and smokers (94.1%) as compared to non-smokers (71.9%). No significant relationship was found between Bakhour use and pulmonary function; however, age, gender, and BMI significantly influenced lung function. Conclusion While Bakhour use was prevalent, it was not significantly associated with poor lung function. Future research should explore larger sample sizes and better exposure assessments.