Mean Duration Of Smoking Research Articles

Cigarette smoking and smoking-attributable diseases among Estonian physicians: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSmoking is a risk factor for several diseases. Physicians are role models for their patients. Physicians who smoke underestimate the health risks of smoking and may be less likely to offer advice to help their patients to quit. The aim of this study was to: provide an overview of smoking behaviour among Estonian physicians; assess the relationship between smoking and ischaemic heart disease (IHD), chronic bronchitis (CB), and lung emphysema (LE); and estimate fractions of prevalences of the three diseases attributable to smoking.MethodsSelf-administered questionnaires were sent to practising physicians (n = 5666) in Estonia in 2014. Prevalence of smoking and relative risks for IHD, CB and LE as well as the risks of IHD, CB and LE attributable to smoking were calculated by age and sex. Post-stratification was used to compensate non-response.ResultsThere were 535 male and 2404 female physicians participating. The prevalence of daily smoking was 12.4% (95% CI 10.4–14.4%) among men and 5.0% (95% CI 4.4–5.6%) among women. Mean duration of smoking among male and female daily smokers was 28.6 (95% CI 26.1–31.1) and 28.6 (95% CI 27.1–30.2) years. Compared to lifelong non-smokers, the age-adjusted risk for IHD was 1.29 times (95% CI 0.88–1.89) higher for men, but 1.69 times (95% CI 1.17–2.40) lower for all women who have ever smoked. The risk for CB was 2.29 (95% CI 1.30–4.03) times higher for smokers among men and, 1.32 (95% CI 0.95–1.82) among women; the risk ratio for LE was 4.92 (95% CI 1.14–21.1) among men and 2.45 (95% CI 0.63–9.52) among women. The smoking-attributable risk for IHD was 3.2% (95% CI 2.3–4.1%) among men and − 0.1% (95% CI -0.7–0.4%) among women; for CB 6.9% (95% CI 6.0–7.8%) and 4.2% (95% CI 3.5–4.8%); and for LE 18.8% (95% CI 17.0–22.5%) and 22.6% (95% CI 18.5–26.9%), respectively.ConclusionPrevalence of daily smoking was relatively low among Estonian physicians (and twice lower among female physicians). The risk attributable to smoking was higher for LE and CB than for IHD.

Influence of Smoking on Bone Mineral Density in Elderly Men.

Background:Smoking has deleterious effects on bone mass and is associated with the subsequent development of osteoporosis, particularly in elderly participants. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of smoking in the elderly male smokers.Methods:All male participants aged 60 years and older of the Amirkola cohort who performed bone densitometry entered the study. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) using the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry method. In statistical analysis, the smokers and nonsmokers were compared according to BMD, frequency of low bone mass defined as BMD T-score <−1 at either LS or FN, and the number of bone fractures. SPSS software version 18 was used for analysis.Results:A total of 203 smokers with mean smoking duration of 21.67 ± 17.7 years and the mean number of 36.4 + 15.8 cigarettes per day were compared with 408 nonsmokers. The mean BMD values in LS (0.90 ± 0.14 vs. 0.94 ± 0.19) and FN section (0.87 ± 0.13 vs. 0.89 ± 0.15) and also the frequency of bone fractures were significantly lower, and the frequency of low bone mass at either LS and FN was significantly higher in smokers (P = 0.014, 0.038, 0.003, and 0.004, respectively). In multiple logistic regression analysis, smoking was independently associated with low bone mass by odds ratio of = 2.27 (95% confidence interval: 1.49–3.44).Conclusions:These findings indicate a significant association between low bone mass and bone fracture at either LS or FN in the elderly male smokers.

FATORES ASSOCIADOS AO TABAGISMO EM USUÁRIOS DA ESTRATÉGIA SAÚDE DA FAMÍLIA

Objetivou-se identificar fatores associados ao tabagismo em usuários da estratégia saúde da família. Estudo epidemiológico transversal, descritivo e analítico. A amostra por conveniência compreendeu 100 indivíduos usuários de uma Unidade Saúde da Família de um município da região centro sul do Paraná. Houve predomínio das mulheres (n=63; 63%), com média de idade de 49,5 anos, cor branca (n=82; 82%), com ensino fundamental completo (n=21; 21%) e casados (n=49; 49%). O consumo médio diário de cigarro foi de 17,7 cigarros/dia e 56 (56%) participantes apresentavam grau de dependência muito elevado ou elevado à nicotina. Constatou-se associação entre a média de tempo de tabagismo e idade (p=0,001), estado civil viúvo (p=0,035), colesterol elevado (p=0,035), uso de anti-hipertensivo (p=0,031) e grau de dependência a nicotina muito elevada (p=0,008). A identificação dos fatores associados ao tabagismo possibilita à equipe de saúde buscar e planejar estratégias de prevenção, tratamento e acompanhamento dos tabagistas.

P.2.f.025 - Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) as a predictor of depression

To analyze the characteristics of smokers treated with acupuncture for smoking cessation in Hong Kong.A total of 2051 subjects were recruited in a clinical pilot research project “acupuncture for smoking cessation”, which was conducted jointly by Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Hong Kong Pok Oi Hospital from January of 2011 to December of 2013. The characteristics of study subjects, including baseline information, smoking background, intention to quit and influencing factors were analyzed.The majority of subjects treated with acupuncture for smoking cessation in Hong Kong was male (66.7%), but the proportion of female smokers in this study (33.3%) was higher than that of female smokers in Hong Kong population (13.8%, P < 0.05). Subjects were at the mean age of 43.83 years old, of which the percentage of females aged 31–40 years was the highest (38.8%, P < 0.05). The mean duration of smoking was 25.49 years. The number of cigarettes smoked per day was 17.57 cigarettes. Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was 5.29 points. Most of the subjects had attempted quitting smoking (81.42%). The confidence index (7.44 points) and the readiness to quit smoking (8.13 points) were high. Subjects quitting smoking were mostly due to health cause (81.91%). The majority of subjects were at the level of middle school (61.63%). The higher the educational level was, the lower the tobacco dependence was and the higher the confidence in successfully quitting smoking was. 50.27% of subjects chose acupuncture for smoking cessation mainly through friends, television and network publicity. Subjects who had received acupuncture had the highest confidence index, while those who wanted to try a new method had the lower confidence index.Acupuncture for smoking cessation was more popular in female smokers, especially those aged 31–40 years. The effectiveness of acupuncture-smoking cessation was most significant in the smokers over 60.

P.2.b.052 - The association between traumatic childhood experiences, sensory processing patterns, and quality of life among unipolar and bipolar outpatients

To analyze the characteristics of smokers treated with acupuncture for smoking cessation in Hong Kong.A total of 2051 subjects were recruited in a clinical pilot research project “acupuncture for smoking cessation”, which was conducted jointly by Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Hong Kong Pok Oi Hospital from January of 2011 to December of 2013. The characteristics of study subjects, including baseline information, smoking background, intention to quit and influencing factors were analyzed.The majority of subjects treated with acupuncture for smoking cessation in Hong Kong was male (66.7%), but the proportion of female smokers in this study (33.3%) was higher than that of female smokers in Hong Kong population (13.8%, P < 0.05). Subjects were at the mean age of 43.83 years old, of which the percentage of females aged 31–40 years was the highest (38.8%, P < 0.05). The mean duration of smoking was 25.49 years. The number of cigarettes smoked per day was 17.57 cigarettes. Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was 5.29 points. Most of the subjects had attempted quitting smoking (81.42%). The confidence index (7.44 points) and the readiness to quit smoking (8.13 points) were high. Subjects quitting smoking were mostly due to health cause (81.91%). The majority of subjects were at the level of middle school (61.63%). The higher the educational level was, the lower the tobacco dependence was and the higher the confidence in successfully quitting smoking was. 50.27% of subjects chose acupuncture for smoking cessation mainly through friends, television and network publicity. Subjects who had received acupuncture had the highest confidence index, while those who wanted to try a new method had the lower confidence index.Acupuncture for smoking cessation was more popular in female smokers, especially those aged 31–40 years. The effectiveness of acupuncture-smoking cessation was most significant in the smokers over 60.

P.4.f.012 - Self-harm in prison inmates: not necessarily related with traumatic experiences

To analyze the characteristics of smokers treated with acupuncture for smoking cessation in Hong Kong.A total of 2051 subjects were recruited in a clinical pilot research project “acupuncture for smoking cessation”, which was conducted jointly by Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Hong Kong Pok Oi Hospital from January of 2011 to December of 2013. The characteristics of study subjects, including baseline information, smoking background, intention to quit and influencing factors were analyzed.The majority of subjects treated with acupuncture for smoking cessation in Hong Kong was male (66.7%), but the proportion of female smokers in this study (33.3%) was higher than that of female smokers in Hong Kong population (13.8%, P < 0.05). Subjects were at the mean age of 43.83 years old, of which the percentage of females aged 31–40 years was the highest (38.8%, P < 0.05). The mean duration of smoking was 25.49 years. The number of cigarettes smoked per day was 17.57 cigarettes. Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was 5.29 points. Most of the subjects had attempted quitting smoking (81.42%). The confidence index (7.44 points) and the readiness to quit smoking (8.13 points) were high. Subjects quitting smoking were mostly due to health cause (81.91%). The majority of subjects were at the level of middle school (61.63%). The higher the educational level was, the lower the tobacco dependence was and the higher the confidence in successfully quitting smoking was. 50.27% of subjects chose acupuncture for smoking cessation mainly through friends, television and network publicity. Subjects who had received acupuncture had the highest confidence index, while those who wanted to try a new method had the lower confidence index.Acupuncture for smoking cessation was more popular in female smokers, especially those aged 31–40 years. The effectiveness of acupuncture-smoking cessation was most significant in the smokers over 60.

P.4.a.015 - Possible relationship between reboxetine and neuropeptide Y (NPY) signalling in neuron cell culture

To analyze the characteristics of smokers treated with acupuncture for smoking cessation in Hong Kong.A total of 2051 subjects were recruited in a clinical pilot research project “acupuncture for smoking cessation”, which was conducted jointly by Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Hong Kong Pok Oi Hospital from January of 2011 to December of 2013. The characteristics of study subjects, including baseline information, smoking background, intention to quit and influencing factors were analyzed.The majority of subjects treated with acupuncture for smoking cessation in Hong Kong was male (66.7%), but the proportion of female smokers in this study (33.3%) was higher than that of female smokers in Hong Kong population (13.8%, P < 0.05). Subjects were at the mean age of 43.83 years old, of which the percentage of females aged 31–40 years was the highest (38.8%, P < 0.05). The mean duration of smoking was 25.49 years. The number of cigarettes smoked per day was 17.57 cigarettes. Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was 5.29 points. Most of the subjects had attempted quitting smoking (81.42%). The confidence index (7.44 points) and the readiness to quit smoking (8.13 points) were high. Subjects quitting smoking were mostly due to health cause (81.91%). The majority of subjects were at the level of middle school (61.63%). The higher the educational level was, the lower the tobacco dependence was and the higher the confidence in successfully quitting smoking was. 50.27% of subjects chose acupuncture for smoking cessation mainly through friends, television and network publicity. Subjects who had received acupuncture had the highest confidence index, while those who wanted to try a new method had the lower confidence index.Acupuncture for smoking cessation was more popular in female smokers, especially those aged 31–40 years. The effectiveness of acupuncture-smoking cessation was most significant in the smokers over 60.

Clinicopathological Study on Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma in Dhaka Medical College Hospital

A Cross-Sectional Study was carried out from July 2006 to June 2007 at Department of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. Data was collected from 150 patients with histologically diagnosed Hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Results of this study showed that hypopharyngeal carcinoma affects more in fifth (36.7%) and sixth (27.4%) decades of life. It was found that male were highly predominant to develop hypopharyngeal carcinoma and male female ratio was 9:1. People with lower educational level were found to be affected more by hypopharyngeal carcinoma. In this study 86 percent patients had history of smoking. Mean duration of smoking was 38.0±23.6 years. This study found that the key symptoms of hypopharyngeal carcinoma was dysphagia, pain and neck mass. In this study 83.5 percent patients presented with palpable lymph node and most (76.6%) of them were in level II. Pyriform fossa was found to be the commonest site (83.3%). In this study all malignancy in hypopharynx was histopathologically squamous cell carcinomaBangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; October 2015; 21(2): 85-89

Risk of Smoking in the Causation of Ischemic Stroke: Experience of 100 Cases in Bangladesh

Background: Ischemic stroke is more commonly occurs in smokersObjective: The purpose of the present study was to estimate the risk of smoking with ischemic stroke in Bangladesh. Methodology: This case control study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry at Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2014 to December 2014. Thepatients presented with ischemic stroke, age ranges from 18 to 65 years of both sexes were taken as cases. Age and sex matched healthy individuals were selected as controls. History was taken from both cases and controls regarding smoking habit and duration of smoking. Results: Inthis study 42% of case group and 11% control group were smoker (p=0.032) and the mean duration of smoking was 22.14±10.58 years and 4.45±2.58 years for those groups respectively. The odd ratio (OR) was 2.56(95%.0718 to 6.1501). Conclusions: Smoking is significantly associated with ischemic stroke.

Relation entre cancer bronchique primitif et consommation tabagique. Résultats de l’étude KBP-2010-CPHG du Collège des pneumologues des hôpitaux généraux

The Collège des Pneumologues des Hôpitaux Généraux has performed a prospective multicentre epidemiological study which aims to describe the baseline characteristics of all new cases of primary lung cancer histologically or cytologically diagnosed in 2010 and followed-up in the respiratory department of general hospitals. The present publication compares the characteristics of these presentations according to their smoking history. Seven thousand and fifty-one adult patients were included from 104 respiratory departments. A standardized form was completed at diagnosis and a steering committee checked the completeness of inclusion. Only 10.9% of patients were never-smokers and 89.1% ever-smokers (i.e., current or former smokers). Respectively, 3.7%, 10.7% and 85.6% of ever-smokers consumed/had consumed 1-10, 11-20, and >20 pack-years. Mean smoking duration was 37.5 years. Former smokers had stopped smoking on average 14.8 years previously. Only 20.7% of never-smokers reported that they had been exposed to tobacco smoke passively. At diagnosis, statistically significant differences were found between never- and ever-smokers (P<0.0001) for sex (women: 60.8% vs 18.8%), age (mean: 70.7 years vs 64.9 years), stage (IV: 70.8% vs 58.7%), histology (adenocarcinoma: 68.5% vs 42.6%), EGFR mutation exploration (51.4% vs 28.0%) and positivity (37.0% vs 4.6%). Differences between never- and ever-smokers rose with increasing tobacco consumption. This study confirms that differences exist between never- and ever-smoker patients presenting with primary lung cancer and shows the impact of the level of tobacco consumption, in particular on histology.

Associations Between Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Inflammation, and Progression of Carotid Atherosclerosis Among Smokers.

The high risk of cardiovascular events in smokers requires adequate control of other cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) to curtail atherosclerosis progression. However, it is unclear which CVRFs have the most influence on atherosclerosis progression in smokers. In 260 smokers aged 40-70 included in a smoking cessation trial, we analyzed the association between traditional CVRFs, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), smoking cessation and 3-year progression of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT, assessed by repeated ultrasound measurements) in a longitudinal multivariate model. Participants (mean age 52 years, 47% women) had a mean smoking duration of 32 years with a median daily consumption of 20 cigarettes. Baseline CIMT was 1185 μm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1082-1287) and increased by 93 μm (95% CI: 25-161) and 108 μm (95% CI: 33-183) after 1 and 3 years, respectively. Age, male sex, daily cigarette consumption, systolic blood pressure (SBP), but neither low-density lipoprotein cholesterol nor hs-CRP, were independently associated with baseline CIMT (all P ≤ .05). Baseline SBP, but neither low-density lipoprotein cholesterol nor hs-CRP, was associated with 3-year atherosclerosis progression (P = .01 at 3 years). The higher the SBP at baseline, the steeper was the CIMT increase over 3-year follow-up. We found an increase of 26 μm per each 10-mmHg raise in SBP at 1 year and an increase of 39 μm per each 10 mmHg raise in SBP at 3 years. Due to insufficient statistical power, we could not exclude an effect of smoking abstinence on CIMT progression. Control of blood pressure may be an important factor to limit atherosclerosis progression in smokers, besides support for smoking cessation. Among 260 smokers aged 40-70 years with a mean smoking duration of 32 years, baseline SBP was associated with atherosclerosis progression over 3 years, as measured by CIMT (P = .01 at 3 years), independently of smoking variables and other CVRFs. The higher the SBP at baseline, the steeper was the CIMT increase over 3-year follow-up. Our findings emphasize the importance of focusing not only on smoking cessation among smokers, but to simultaneously control other CVRFs, particularly blood pressure, in order to prevent future cardiovascular disease.

PLASMA HOMOCYSTEINE, FOLATE AND VITAMIN B12 LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH LUNG CANCER

Disorders in the metabolism of homocysteine and B vitamins, which are involved in a one-carbon transfer reaction and important for DNA synthesis and methylation, have been hypothesized to be associated with carcinogenesis. The purpose of this study is to evalu-ate the levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid in patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer and determines whether they might be used as an accurate tumor marker for monitoring the patients if they are found to be elevated in lung cancer. Forty male patients with lung cancer were included in this study. Age-matched forty healthy males who had not malignant disease or had not received any drug affecting plasma homocysteine levels were selected as control group. Homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate levels were measured in the samples obtained from the patients and controls. Mean age of the patients with lung cancer was 58.7 ± 9.9 years. All the patients were cigarettes smokers. Mean daily consumption of cigarettes was 2.0±0.7 packs and mean duration of smoking was 30 ± 11 years. Histologic type of carcinoma was found to be squamous cell carcinoma in 55%, adenocarcinoma - in 35%, and small cell carcinoma - in 10% of the cases. Clinical stage was stage IA in 20%, stage IB - in 20%, stage IIA - in 2.5%, stage IIB - in 10%, stage IIIA - in 12.5%, stage IIIB - in 20%, and stage IV - in 15% of the cases. Mean homocysteine level was 15.3 ± 7.3 µmol/l in the patients with lung cancer while 9.8 ± 2.6 µmol/l in controls. Homocysteine level was significantly higher in the patients with lung cancer compared to control group (p < 0.001). Mean folate level was 4.3 ± 1.8 pg/ml in cancer cases while 6.1 ± 2.3 pg/ml in controls. That is to say, plasma folate levels were significantly lower in cases of lung cancer compared to controls (p < 0.001). There was no significantly difference between groups with regard to B12 levels (mean B12 level was 234 ± 99 and 240 ± 104 ng/ml in the patients with lung cancer and controls, respectively, p = 0.78). Plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate levels did not show significant difference with respect to histologic type of carcinoma. No significant correlation was found between plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12, folate levels and number of cigarettes smoked per day, duration of smoking, age of the patient, and clinical stage of carcinoma. There was also no correlation between number of cigarettes smoked per day, duration of smoking, age of the patient and clinical stage of carcinoma. A possible inverse correlation between plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate levels was not observed. In conclusion, high plasma homocysteine and low folate levels could be associated with lung cancer. However, further studies performed on large patient population are needed.

An audit of assessment and outcome of intervention at a quit smoking clinic in a homeless hostel.

We aim to report on smoking history, mental and physical health, and the results of interventions provided by a Quit Smoking Clinic (QSC) at a Sydney homeless men's shelter. We undertook an audit of questionnaires administered during the first QSC visit and a review of outcomes of QSC clients who attended the clinic more than once. A total of 144 men were assessed at the QSC, with mean age 45.2 years (22-71) and mean smoking duration of 29 years. About half were receiving treatment for psychotic illness, and there were high rates of other psychiatric disorders, physical illness and substance use disorder. Carbon monoxide (CO) readings were significantly higher for those smoking discarded cigarette butts. Among the subset of clients who attended the clinic more than once (n=56), only four quit for more than a month and one for a year. However, the reported number of cigarettes smoked per day was significantly lower (p=0.001), with a significant reduction in CO (p<0.008). This study confirms the difficulty that homeless men experience in quitting smoking, but demonstrates the potential to reduce the physical and financial harm of smoking through cessation support interventions in this setting.

Factors associated with smoking cessation

OBJECTIVE To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with smoking abstinence among patients who were treated in a reference unit for smoking cessation.METHODS This cross-sectional study examined the medical records of 532 patients treated in a reference unit for smoking cessation in Belém, PA, Northern Brazil, between January 2010 and June 2012. Sociodemographic variables and those related to smoking history and treatment were analyzed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 50 years; 57.0% of the patients were women. The mean tobacco load was 30 packs/year, and the mean smoking duration was approximately 32 years. Most patients remained in treatment for four months. The rate of smoking abstinence was 75.0%. Regression analysis indicated that maintenance therapy, absence of relapse triggers, and lower chemical dependence were significantly associated with smoking cessation.CONCLUSIONS The smoking abstinence rate observed was 75.0%. The cessation process was associated with several aspects, including the degree of chemical dependence, symptoms of withdrawal, and period of patient follow-up in a multidisciplinary treatment program. Studies of this nature contribute to the collection of consistent epidemiological data and are essential for the implementation of effective smoking prevention and cessation strategies.

Design and Feasibility of a Hatha Yoga Intervention for Smoking Cessation

Introduction:Effective interventions for smoking cessation are critically needed. Yoga has only begun to be evaluated for smoking cessation.Aims:The primary aim was to assess participant satisfaction and perceived benefit of Hatha yoga. Secondary aims were to test evaluation tools, recruitment and retention techniques, and to generate preliminary effect size for a randomized trial.Methods:This was a non-randomized, single-group, pilot study. Thirty-one participants entered the study and received group behavioural therapy followed by 30 minutes of Hatha yoga instruction. Participant satisfaction was assessed at the conclusion of eight sessions. Point prevalence smoking abstinence was assessed at the end of the intervention period.Results:Participants were 36% male with an average age of 47 years (range 22–72) and a mean of 12.7 ± 5.6 cigarettes per day. Mean duration of smoking was 26.1 ± 15 years. Participant satisfaction was very high (88% very satisfied). Smoking abstinence at the end of the intervention was 29%.Conclusions:Hatha yoga is acceptable and feasible to aid in smoking cessation. A regimen that includes breathing, postures, and meditation has been developed for testing in a randomized trial.

Analysis of long-term abstinence rate among smokers at a smoking cessation clinic at a smoke-free hospital

A total of 133 smokers visiting our smoking cessation clinic from February 2009 to September 2010 were studied. The data were collected during initial assessments and over a follow-up period of 24 months. Long-term abstinence rate was observed. And logistic regression was employed to identify the independent predictors of successful quitting. There were 132 males and 1 female with a mean age of 47 years. They smoked an average of 26 cigarettes per day. The mean duration of smoking was 25 years. Among them, 57 smokers (42.9%) were severely nicotine dependent and 76 smokers (57.1%) were followed up for 24 months. And 20 smokers (26.3%) maintained 24 month abstinence. The predictor of avoiding relapse was immediate family members being nonsmokers. Key words: Smoking cessation; Treatment outcome

Smoking Behaviors Among University Students: A Cross-sectional Study in Tehran, Iran

Background: Smoking is a risk factor for many diseases and is the leading cause of preventable death and a major public health concern. Objectives: The aim of study was to determine the prevalence of smoking behaviors and the related problems among university students in Iran. Patients and Methods: Having employed a cross-sectional study, 1600 university students were selected from four major universities in the capital of Iran (Tehran) by two-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected by means of an anonymous self-administrated questionnaire. Results: A total of 1600 participants with mean age of 22.23 ± 3.09 years were included in the study. Of the included students, 62.4% were male and 37.6% were female among which 91.4% of them were single. Given that, the cigarette smoking was reported by 25.3%, comprising 33.7% males and 11.1% females. Also, the mean duration of smoking was 4.79 ± 3.46 years. The results showed that the field of study and type of accommodation were the two leading factors played roles in smoking behaviors. Conclusions: The rate of cigarette smoking among university students in Iran is very high. The lack of adequate information about burden of smoking related diseases indicates incapability and inefficiency of educational activities on this issue.

Strong Association of Smoking with Lumbar Degenerative Spine Disease

Study Design: A prospective case control study. Purpose of Research: To investigate the role of cigarette smoking in the development of early lumbar degenerative spine disease. Summary of Background Data: Smoking is a growing and serious social as well as health problem all over the world. Cigarette smoking has many unfavourable impacts on human spinal column. The increased predisposition to low back pain in individuals who smoke has been well established. Exposure to nicotine has impact on disc metabolism and is believed to reduce the pain threshold of central nervous system. Materials and Methods: The 300 patients included in the study were with a mean age of 40.6±6.0 years who were diagnosed with lumbar degenerative spine disease confirmed by MRI. Among them 162 (54%) patients were females. Patients were interviewed to assess their smoking status/history. Results of Research: In the study it was found that 76.7% patients were smokers. The patient's who smoked; mean duration of smoking was 17.8±7.3 years and mean for cigarettes per day was 16.3±7.4/day. Among the smokers 60% were between the ages of 30-40 years. The mean of pack year consumed by the patients was 15.2±10.2. Conclusion: From this study it is evident that cigarette smoking is a leading risk factor for lumbar degenerative spine disease and its association with early onset of lumbar degenerative spine disease. Further research is necessary to establish a temporal relationship between smoking and degenerative spine disease.

Association of Hypertension and Smoking with Ischaemic Stroke

Hypertension is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for ischemic stroke. Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for atherosclerotic disease. There is a strong relationship between hypertension and cigarette smoking with ischaemic stroke. A case control study was undertaken to see the association of hypertension and cigarette smoking with ischaemic stroke. The study was done from January to December 2009 in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. A total of 60 subjects were selected as study population. Among them 30 were diagnosed case of ischaemic stroke and 30 were age-and sex-matched control subjects. It was found that 60% patients of case group and 20% respondents of control group were hypertensive and diffrence was significant. Study showed that 56.66% of cases and 53.33% of controls were smoker and the findings were insignificant. The mean duration of smoking was 27.41 ± 2.98 years in cases and 15.63 ± 2.85 years in controls which was significant. The study suggests that hypertension is significantly associated with ischaemic stroke and longer duration of smoking also associated with ischaemic stroke. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmb.v3i1.13802 Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2010; 3(1): 16-18

HEAVY SMOKING

Objective: This study is conducted to observe the serum lipoprotein alterations in chronic heavy smokers in LUMHS Sindh. Study Design: Analytical study Material and Methods: It was conducted on 60 non obese adult smokers, both sexes, who smoked more than twenty cigarettes or beeries a day regularly for more than five years. All the participants were current smokers. Sampling technique was simple random technique. Setting: The study was conducted in outdoor department of LUMHS Jamshoro/Hyderabad. Period: Jan 2010 to Jan 2011. Eighteen hours fasting blood sample was sent for lipid studies. Lipids studied were serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, high density lipoproteins and low density lipoproteins. For control values ATP 3 guidelines were used. Statistics: Mean of statistical values was calculated with standard deviation and variance in standard deviation. Results obtained were analyzed by SPSS 11. Results: Age of the patients was 25-70 years. Mean age was 47.81±12.96 years. Median age was 50 years. Male/ female ratio was 45/15. Patients were from both rural and urban areas. Mean duration of smoking was 25.5±9.15 years. The study carried out on 60 chronic heavy smokers, showed deranged lipid levels as: Total cholesterol mean 237.57 mg/dl ±37.89; TG mean 203.76 mg/dl ±47.08; LDL-C mean 158.62 mg/dl ±17.25; HDL-C mean 29.67 mg/dl ±3.12. Results are shown in Table No I. Conclusions: Our study concluded at LUMHS showed that by continuous heavy smoking the serum lipid levels get deranged.