Abstract
INTRODUCTIONSmoking has a negative impact on TB outcomes. We estimated the proportion of TB patients who smoke and are willing to quit in two high TB burden countries, Bangladesh and Pakistan.METHODSA cross-sectional survey was conducted among TB patients to assess their eligibility and recruit them to a smoking cessation randomized controlled trial. Adults diagnosed with TB were recruited from 32 health facilities in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Data on smoking behaviour and willingness to quit were collected and analysed.RESULTSIn total, 13934 TB patients completed the survey between June 2017 and April 2018. The prevalence of smoking in these TB patients was estimated to be 22.5% (95% CI: 21.8, 23.2). Moreover, the prevalence of smoking in TB patient population was 8% (RR=1.49; 95% CI: 7.1–8.9; p<0.01) and 8.3% (RR=1.24; 95% CI: 7.3–9.4; p<0.01) higher than smoking prevalence in the general population in Bangladesh and Pakistan, respectively. Among TB patients who smoke, 97.7% (95% CI: 97.2–98.2) were willing to quit.CONCLUSIONSThe estimated prevalence of smoking was higher in TB patients than the general population; however, a vast majority of TB patients who smoke were willing to quit.
Highlights
IntroductionWe estimated the proportion of TB patients who smoke and are willing to quit in two high TB burden countries, Bangladesh and Pakistan
Smoking has a negative impact on TB outcomes
The prevalence of smoking in the screened TB patient population in Bangladesh was 8% (RR=1.49; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 7.1–8.9; p
Summary
We estimated the proportion of TB patients who smoke and are willing to quit in two high TB burden countries, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The highest number of TB cases were reported in SouthEast Asia (44%), with Bangladesh (4%) and Pakistan (6%) combined accounting for 10% of the estimated global incidence[3,4]. Both countries are listed in the top 30 high TB burden countries[5]. It is estimated that TB incidence in Bangladesh and Pakistan will cost the countries 22 and 14 billion US$, respectively, between 2015 and 20306
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