Prevalence of Chronic Respiratory Symptoms among Active Smokers and Non-Smokers: A Population-Based Pulmonology Study

Abstract

Objective: To identify and compare the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms of active smokers and non-smokers in a general adult population. The purpose of the study was to estimate the burden of respiratory morbidity of smoking and establish the risk factors.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional and population based study was carried out among 2,000 adults aged 40 years and above. The samples were divided into active smokers and non-smokers according to their self-reported smoking status supported by cotinine testing. The standardized respiratory questionnaire and spirometry were used to gather the data. Statistical tests were taken as Chi-square tests on categorical variables and t-tests on continuous variables and odds ratios were determined using logistic regression.

Results: 1000 active smokers and 1000 non-smokers were included in the study. Chronic cough was found to be very high in smokers (45.2) than non-smokers (12.1) (p < 0.001). Likewise, there were great differences between the groups in dyspnea and chronic sputum production. An analysis of spirometry showed that the mean FEV1/FVC ratio in the smoking group was much less. The multivariate analysis is able to point out smoking status, age and occupational exposure as independent predictors of respiratory symptoms.

Conclusion: The smoking habit has been linked to an increased prevalence rate of chronic respiratory symptoms and lung dysfunction. The results of these studies highlight the necessity of specific smoking cessation measures and health policies among the population to reduce the respiratory cost.