Smoking Patterns Research Articles

A cross-sectional study on health behavior changes during COVID-19 among adults in Malaysia

IntroductionCOVID-19 has triggered significant disruptions globally, necessitating swift adaptations in individuals’ health behaviors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted during Phase Four of Malaysia’s National Recovery Plan and examines how the pandemic has affected health behaviors among adult Malaysians. The study gathered data online using convenience sampling with 1,004 respondents aged 18 and above. The research focused on diverse health domains, including eating habits, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and sleep patterns. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and descriptive statistics were employed to compare health behaviors before and after COVID-19.ResultsFindings indicate noteworthy shifts in eating behaviors, with increased water and fruit consumption (p < .001). The frequency of home-cooked meals stayed relatively stable despite declining dinner preference and increasing daily snacks. Physical activity declined, marked by increased sedentary behavior and screen time (p < .001). There were differences in the patterns of smoking and alcohol consumption; some had started these behaviors during the pandemic. Notably, intentions to quit smoking among respondents were more prominent than attempts to stop drinking. Respondents’ sleep patterns also changed, with more sleeping fewer than seven hours daily (p < .001).ConclusionThe study emphasizes the need for focused interventions to address new challenges by highlighting the impact on health behaviors. As Malaysia navigates the post-pandemic landscape, understanding and mitigating the persisting effects on health behaviors are crucial for promoting overall well-being.

Regular cannabis smoking and carotid artery calcification in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Studies on cannabis use and adverse cardiovascular outcomes have reported conflicting results. Research on its relationship to calcified arterial plaque remains limited. Cross-sectional data from 2152 participants at Exam 6 (2016-2018) in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) were analyzed, including self-reported cannabis smoking patterns and carotid artery calcification (CAC) as measured via computed tomography. Multivariable relative and absolute risk regression models were used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) and prevalence differences, respectively, for the presence of calcified plaque. Multivariable linear regression was then used to compare group differences in the extent of CAC in those with calcified plaque. A minority of participants (n = 159, 7.4%) reported a history of regular cannabis smoking. Among all participants, 36.1% (n = 777) had detectable CAC. In models adjusted for demographics, behavioral, and clinical cardiovascular disease factors, a history of regular cannabis smoking was not associated with the prevalence of CAC in either common carotid artery (PR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.88 to 1.49). In the subset of participants with calcified plaque, and in separate fully adjusted multivariable linear regression models, a history of regular cannabis smoking was not associated with increased calcium volume (difference = 7.7%, 95% CI: -21.8 to 48.5), calcium density (difference = 0.4%, 95% CI: -6.6 to 7.9), or Agatston score (difference = 32.1%, 95% CI: -31.8 to 155.8) in either carotid artery. Models exploring potential effect modification by age, race/ethnicity, and tobacco smoking status showed no significant association, except for higher CAC prevalence in men with a history of regular cannabis smoking. In a racially and ethnically diverse cohort of older adults with a moderately high prevalence of CAC, no associations were found between a history of regular cannabis smoking, duration, or recency of cannabis smoking, and the prevalence of carotid calcified plaque. These findings were consistent across age, race/ethnicity, and cigarette smoking, except for an increased prevalence in men with a history of regular cannabis smoking. Similarly, in a subgroup with CAC, no association was found between a history of regular cannabis smoking and extent of calcification as measured by volume, density, and Agatston score.

Effect of stressors during COVID-19 lockdown on malnutrition and health-risk behaviors among Jordanian college students: A cross-sectional study.

A stressful condition such as the emergence of the coronavirus and its related lockdown measures might trigger alterations in college students' behaviors. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the changes in college students' dietary and lifestyle behaviors during the lockdown and the effect of lockdown-related stressors on health-risk behaviors. A web-based survey was conducted among undergraduate college students in Jordan. Weight and height were reported by the students. The students' dietary and lifestyle behaviors and their changes during 1 month of the countrywide lockdown were assessed. The Perceived Stress Scale-4 was utilized to assess stress levels. Results indicated that 77.2% of the students reported weight changes. Notably, 45.9% increased their intake of unhealthy food, while and 38% opted for healthier food choices. Most students experienced alterations in physical activity (80.0%), screen time (86.2%), smoking, and sleep patterns (85.4%), with a higher tendency toward adopting health-risk behaviors. Perceptions of curfew-related stress were associated with distance learning-related stress (OR = 2.73, CI: 1.08-6.90, P = .034), and a greater change in physical activity (OR = 3.59, CI: 1.36-9.48, P = .010). Additionally, weight changes were associated with perception of other types of stressors (OR = 3.39, CI: 1.39-8.28, P = .007). Overall, there was a considerable increase in malnutrition and health-risk behaviors among students during the lockdown. Understanding students' responses to these stressful conditions and the role of stress in driving behavioral changes are crucial for developing interventions that enhance college students' adaptation to such changes and maintaining healthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors in the future.

Modelling the Non-linear Associations between Age and Health: Implications for Care

Abstract Background Ageing is a complex biological process that weakens the body's defences against various health problems and diseases. This decline is not uniform or linear; rather, it varies significantly among individuals. Understanding the non-linear progression of ageing is crucial for identifying critical periods where intervention might be most beneficial. This study aimed to explore nonlinearities in the association between age and health outcomes. Methods Using generalised additive models, we analysed data from the 2020 wave of the United States Health and Retirement Study. This modelling approach allows for the detailed examination of nonlinearities in health outcomes across different ages. Our sample consisted of adults aged over 50 (n = 1338; mean = 68; range = 50 – 95). We assessed seven health outcomes (heart conditions, diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, fatigue, back pain, and headaches) and seven protective behaviours (prostate exams, mammograms, cholesterol screenings, pap smears, flu vaccinations, dental check-ups, and smoking patterns) reflecting various aspects of health status and behaviour. Results The analysis indicated a significant and pronounced non-linear relationship between age and certain health outcomes, namely headaches, blood pressure, diabetes, and heart conditions. Additionally, ageing was non-linearly associated with specific health behaviours, including the uptake of prostate exams, mammograms, flu vaccinations, and smoking prevalence. Notably, distinct patterns emerged concerning health behaviours in relation to age-specific screening policies. Conclusion The findings of this study reveal that the probability of developing health problems or engaging in health protective behaviours do not increase/decrease linearly in direct proportion to age. Rather, the probability curve exhibits fluctuations, presenting periods of heightened odds interspersed with phases of relative stability. Such non-linearity may be partially attributed to policy decisions but could also reflect a complex interplay of factors such as weakened immune systems, access to healthcare, personal health beliefs, and the evolving perception of risk as one grows older.

Changes in Smoking Patterns in Turkey Before and After the Ban on Loose Cigarettes: An Ecological Perspective From Global Tobacco Surveillance Data.

Loose or individual cigarettes sold without packaging pose a unique challenge for tobacco control, which is the leading cause of premature and preventable mortality worldwide. This study aims to assess the changes in smoking patterns following the ban on loose cigarettes in 2008 in Turkey. Gender-stratified trend analysis of smoking patterns before and after the ban on loose cigarettes was done using the Global Tobacco Surveillance data (adults: Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2008, 2012, and 2016; youth: Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2003, 2005, 2009, 2012, and 2017) from Turkey. The trends in smoking patterns were triangulated with the introduction of the loose cigarette ban and other laws in Turkey. From GATS 1 in 2008 to GATS 2 in 2012, there were initial declines in adult smoking patterns, including current smoking and daily smoking, with increased quit intentions. However, these trends were reversed by the time of the GATS 3 in 2016, when both current smoking and daily smoking measures were higher, especially among females. Monthly cigarette expenses consistently increased across all survey years. Among youths, the overall prevalence increased sharply from 6.9% in 2003 to 23% in 2005, then decreased to 8.4% in 2009, again increased to 10.4% in 2012, and finally returned to 7.7% in 2017. Triangulation of these trends against the implementation of the loose cigarette ban in 2008 produced no clear association between the ban and smoking patterns. The overall marginal decline in smoking behaviors over two decades in Turkey needs to be fast-tracked, specifically the rise of smoking among the female population, which needs to be addressed through evidence-based tobacco control interventions. The loose cigarette ban was implemented as part of a comprehensive tobacco control law, and the GATS or GYTS data is not sufficient to assess the effect of this provision. The tobacco control effort in Turkey should collect evidence for changes in smoking patterns following the implementation of tobacco interventions, which is also a mandate of the Global Tobacco Surveillance System (GTSS).

Social, behavioral and clinical risk factors are associated with clonal hematopoiesis.

Risk factors including smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity (PA), and sleep patterns have been associated with cancer risk. Clonal hematopoiesis (CH), including mosaic chromosomal alterations (mCAs) and clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), is linked to increased hematopoietic cancer risk, and could be used as common pre-clinical intermediates for better understanding associations of risk factors with rare hematologic malignancies. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 478,513 UK Biobank participants without hematologic malignancies using multivariable adjusted analyses to assess the associations between lifestyle factors and CH types. Smoking was reinforced as a potent modifiable risk factor for multiple CH types, with dose-dependent relationships persisting post-cessation. Males in socially deprived areas of England had lower risk of mosaic loss of chromosome Y (mLOY), females with moderate/high alcohol consumption (2-3 drinks/day) had increased mLOX risk (OR=1.17, 95%CI:[1.09-1.25], p=8.31×10-6) compared to light drinkers, active males (moderate-high PA) had elevated risks of mLOY (PA Category 3: OR=1.06, 95%CI:[1.03-1.08], p=7.57×10-6) and men with high BMI (≥40) had reduced risk of mLOY (OR=0.57, 95%CI:[0.51-0.65], p=3.30×10-20). Sensitivity analyses with BMI adjustment attenuated the effect in the mLOY-PA associations (IPAQ2: OR=1.03, 95%CI:[1.00-1.06], p=2.13×10-2 and IPAQ3: OR=1.03, 95%CI:[1.01-1.06], p=7.77×10-3). Our study reveals associations between social deprivation, smoking, alcohol consumption, and CH risk, suggesting these exposures could contribute to common types of CH and potentially rare hematologic cancers. This study underscores the impact of lifestyle factors on CH frequency, emphasizing social, behavioral, and clinical influences and the importance of socio-behavioral contexts when investigating CH risk factors.

Fibrosis, biomarkers and liver biopsy in AAT deficiency and relation to liver Z protein polymer accumulation.

The course of adults with ZZ alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) liver disease is unpredictable. The utility of markers, including liver biopsy, is undefined. A prospective cohort, including protocol liver biopsies, was enrolled to address these questions. We enrolled 96 homozygous ZZ AATD adults prospectively at three US sites with standardized clinical evaluations, and protocol liver biopsies. Fibrosis was scored using Ishak (stages 0-6). Also, 51% of the 96 subjects had Ishak score >1 fibrosis (49% Ishak 0-1, 36% Ishak 2-3 and 15% ≥4). Elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) more than alanine aminotransferase (ALT), high body mass index (BMI), obesity, AST platelet ratio index and elevated serum Z alpha 1 antitrypsin (AAT) polymer levels were associated with increased fibrosis. Steatosis did not correlate to fibrosis. Increased fibrosis was associated with increased mutant Z polymer globular inclusions (p = .002) and increased diffuse cytoplasmic Z polymer on biopsy (p = .0029) in a direct relationship. Increased globule Z polymer was associated with increased serum AST (p = .007) and increased periportal inflammation on histopathology (p = .004), but there was no relationship of Z polymer hepatocellular accumulation with ALT, gamma glutamine transferase, inflammation in other parts of the lobule, necrosis or steatosis. Serum Z polymer levels were directly correlated to hepatic Z protein polymer content. Lung function, smoking and alcohol consumption patterns were not associated with fibrosis. In AATD high BMI, obesity and elevated AST are associated with increased fibrosis. Liver biopsy features are correlated to some serum tests. Serum Z AAT polymer levels could be a future biomarker to detect fibrosis early and is directly correlated to liver Z content.

Examining the onset and cessation patterns of active smoking among college students: an interpretative analysis

Smoking is a prevalent global issue, with a significant risk factor for various non-communicable diseases necessitating prolonged, costly, and potentially devastating medical treatments. In addition, infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, COVID-19, and pneumonia in toddlers are often associated with active and passive smoking habits. The correlation is evident across diverse demographics, encompassing individuals of varying ages, professions, and genders. Therefore, this research aimed to explore and describe behavior of active smokers among campus members at various universities, focusing on the initiation, cessation, and influencing factors associated with smoking.A qualitative research design was used with a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, where information was provided by five active smoker informants.These individuals started smoking as teenagers, and the fluctuating patterns were influenced by health concerns or a perceived lack of significance attributed to smoking. However, the periods of abstinence were only temporary due to the pervasive influence of social and environmental factors. The initiation of smoking commonly started from the influence of close acquaintances, such as family members. Meanwhile, the process of quitting encountered numerous obstacles, primarily from potent social factors outweighing personal intentions.The implementation of smoking cessation strategies posed challenges due to the profound impacts of addiction, requiring unwavering determination, comprehensive plans, and diligent efforts.

Association of Smoking Patterns with Vision-Related Disability According to Glaucoma Subtypes

ABSTRACT Objective The relationship between smoking and onset of glaucoma has been inconsistent. However, there is a gap in understanding whether tobacco smoking is linked to a worse visual impairment in different glaucoma subtypes. The objective of this study was to examine the association between smoking behavior and vision-related disability in people who have different glaucoma subtypes. Methods A total of 283 people with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), normal tension glaucoma (NTG), and pseudo-exfoliative (PEX) were included in this cross-sectional study. The recruitment of study participants was organized in one of two tertiary centers for eye diseases in Belgrade, Serbia, during their regular eye checks. Information about the duration and quantity of smoking was self-reported. Vision-related impairment was quantified using a validated Glaucoma Quality of Life-15 (GQL-15) questionnaire. Results A series of multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, gender, severity of glaucoma, lifestyle, and mobility, intraocular pressure level, visual parameters, previous and current therapy, and chronic illnesses suggested that a higher quantity of cigarettes smoked per day was associated with poorer vision-related quality of life only among people with NTG subtypes. This association was absent when smoking duration was tested in the adjusted linear regression model. Conclusion A higher number of cigarettes smoked daily was associated with poorer vision-related impairment among people who have NTG, but not other glaucoma subtypes. It is recommended that ophthalmologists and other health-care professionals work to improve their patients’ understanding of harmful effects of tobacco smoke and quit smoking.

Smoking, all-cause, and cause-specific mortality in individuals with diabetes in Mexico: an analysis of the Mexico city prospective study

ObjectiveEvidence from low- and middle-income countries regarding the effect of smoking in people with diabetes is lacking. Here, we report the association of smoking with mortality in a large cohort of Mexican adults with diabetes.MethodsParticipants with diabetes mellitus (self-reported diagnosis, use of antidiabetic medications or HbA1c ≥ 6.5%) aged 35–74 years when recruited into the Mexico City Prospective Study were included. Cox regression confounder-adjusted mortality rate ratios (RRs) associated with baseline smoking status were estimated.ResultsAmong 15,975 women and 8225 men aged 35–74 years with diabetes but no other comorbidities at recruitment, 2498 (16%) women and 2875 (35%) men reported former smoking and 2753 (17%) women, and 3796 (46%) men reported current smoking. During a median of 17 years of follow-up there were 5087 deaths at ages 35–74 years. Compared with never smoking, all-cause mortality RR was 1.08 (95%CI 1.01–1.17) for former smoking, 1.11 (95%CI 1.03–1.20) for current smoking, 1.09 (95%CI 0.99–1.20) for non-daily smoking, 1.06 (95%CI 0.96–1.16) for smoking < 10 cigarettes/day (median during follow-up 4 cigarettes/day), and 1.28 (95% CI 1.14–1.43) for smoking ≥ 10 cigarettes/day (median during follow-up 15 cigarettes/day). Mortality risk among daily smokers was greatest for COPD, lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and acute diabetic complications.ConclusionIn this cohort of Mexican adults with diabetes, low-intensity daily smoking was associated with increased mortality, despite observing smoking patterns which are different from other populations, and over 5% of total deaths were associated with smoking.

54353 A Meta-Analysis Study on Smoking and Male Pattern Hair Loss

54353 A Meta-Analysis Study on Smoking and Male Pattern Hair Loss

2024 Guidelines of the Taiwan Society of Cardiology on the Primary Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease --- Part I.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and in Taiwan. It is highly prevalent and has a tremendous impact on global health. Therefore, the Taiwan Society of Cardiology developed these best-evidence preventive guidelines for decision-making in clinical practice involving aspects of primordial prevention including national policies, promotion of health education, primary prevention of clinical risk factors, and management and control of clinical risk factors. These guidelines cover the full spectrum of ASCVD, including chronic coronary syndrome, acute coronary syndrome, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease, and aortic aneurysm. In order to enhance medical education and health promotion not only for physicians but also for the general public, we propose a slogan (2H2L) for the primary prevention of ASCVD on the basis of the essential role of healthy dietary pattern and lifestyles: "Healthy Diet and Healthy Lifestyles to Help Your Life and Save Your Lives". We also propose an acronym of the modifiable risk factors/enhancers and relevant strategies to facilitate memory: " ABC2D2EFG-I'M2 ACE": Adiposity, Blood pressure, Cholesterol and Cigarette smoking, Diabetes mellitus and Dietary pattern, Exercise, Frailty, Gout/hyperuricemia, Inflammation/infection, Metabolic syndrome and Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, Atmosphere (environment), Chronic kidney disease, and Easy life (sleep well and no stress). Some imaging studies can be risk enhancers. Some risk factors/clinical conditions are deemed to be preventable, and healthy dietary pattern, physical activity, and body weight control remain the cornerstone of the preventive strategy.

A multicomponent smoking cessation program for adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DiMe-SALUD2 project): A study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundTobacco use represents a significant public health burden, being especially harmful for smokers with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Effective smoking cessation interventions are required for this vulnerable population. The goal is to describe a study protocol of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed at analyzing the effectiveness and efficiency of a multicomponent smoking cessation intervention for T2DM smokers, including a training protocol on healthy lifestyle habits and self-management of T2DM (DiMe-SALUD2 project). MethodsThis RCT will assign participants to: (1) Control Group (n = 30), including a brief psychoeducation advice about smoking cessation; (2) Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) for smoking cessation (n = 30), based on a multicomponent program implemented in group-based sessions over an eight-week period; and (3) CBT plus DiMeSALUD2 protocol (n = 30), which will develop an additional psychoeducational protocol specifically designed to improve healthy lifestyle habits. Participants will be assessed at baseline, post-treatment and several follow-ups (1-, 6- and 12-months). Primary outcomes will include smoking abstinence (24-h point prevalence abstinence at post-treatment and 7-day point prevalence at follow-ups) and smoking continuous abstinence. Secondary outcomes will include treatment retention, changes in smoking patterns and nicotine dependence, as well as the impact on T2DM clinical variables, mental health, and quality of life. DiscussionThe DiMeSALUD2 program could assist T2DM smokers in quitting tobacco use and improving their overall quality of life. This project will help incorporating improvements in routine clinical practice with T2DM patients, offering a smoking cessation program adapted to their specific needs. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT05885659. Date of registration: June 2nd, 2023.

Patterns of Cigarette and Waterpipe Smoking in Erbil City, Iraq. A Household Survey

Background and objective: Globally, tobacco use is one of the most serious public health concerns and preventable causes of morbidity and mortality, expected to reach annually more than 8 million deaths by the year 2030. In light of this estimation and limited surveillance of smoking, this study aimed to identify the tobacco use trends and patterns in various forms in Erbil city. Methods: A community‐based cross‐sectional household survey was carried out from September 2021 through June 2022, on a sample of 2601 respondents selected through a multi‐stage cluster sampling method in Erbil city. A specially designed questionnaire through direct interviews was used to collect socio-demographic and smoking-related data. Results: The prevalence of current daily smoking was 44.3%, occasional smoking was 14.5%, Ex-smoking was 8.0%, and those who never smoked before 33.2%.The prevalence of cigarette, and waterpipe smoking was 37.2%, and 46.5%respectively. More than half (51.0%) had tried to quit smoking at least once in their life, while 11.9% succeeded to quit. The main reason behind quitting was anticipated health risks (97.3%). The prevalence of smoking was significantly higher among those aged 20-29 years, single, males, college education, those having skilled manual /non-manual occupations, those who have smoker friends, and from a middle socioeconomic level Conclusion: The prevalence of smoking (current daily and occasional) was more than half and about one-third never smoked before. More than half had tried to quit smoking at least once in their life but (11.9%) succeeded to quit due to anticipate health risks and family pressure.

Correlation of Subject Characteristics, Work Stress Levels, and Smoking Patterns among Educational Personnel at X University, Indonesia

Human resources are among the crucial aspects of an organization, including in higher-education organizations. Educational personnel, a key component of the education system, are prone to work stress, which may trigger smoking behavior. Personal characteristics may also influence smoking behavior. This cross-sectional observational analytic study aimed to analyze the relationship between characteristics, work stress level, and smoking behavior of educational personnel of X University, Indonesia. On 30 April–Mei 2021, subjects were recruited through total sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria (n=100, all males). A questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability was used to collect data on subject characteristics and behaviors, while DASS-42 was used to measure work stress. Age, education level, length of work, and work stress were the independent variables, while smoking was the dependent variable. Data collected were analyzed univariately and bivariately using the chi-square test, with p&lt;0.05 considered significant. Age, education, and length of work were found to be significantly correlated with smoking (p=0.007, 0.016, and 0.009, respectively). However, stress levels did not correlate with smoking (p=0.786). This suggests that age, education, and length of work significantly influence smoking behavior. It's crucial to interpret these findings with caution, especially considering that all subjects are males, who have been proven less prone to stress than females. This caution is necessary to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing smoking behavior among educational personnel.

Smoking, Obesity, and Metabolic Syndrome in Two High Security Settings

Forensic psychiatric patients pose a vulnerable population due to their unbalanced diet, overweight, smoking, adverse effects of medication, and sedentary lifestyle within secure settings. These lifestyle traits have been correlated with a higher incidence of morbidity and a lower life expectancy. Nonetheless, empirical data regarding these topics remains limited. In the current study we examined obesity, metabolic syndrome and smoking patterns in two high-security settings in Flanders. We also examined the influence of psychiatric diagnoses and the usage of antipsychotic medication to these characteristics. Results indicated that obesity, smoking, and metabolic syndrome were highly prevalent across different diagnoses. In contrast to previous findings, there was no association between the presence of metabolic syndrome and the use of (second generation) antipsychotics. Missing information in the electronic files further indicated that there remains room for improvement in the detection and monitoring of physical health. It is recommended that forensic institutions pay more attention to the provision of care programs to manage weight and smoking.

Patterns of self-reported tobacco smoking among schooling adolescents in the age group of 13 to 15 years in Kandy District, Sri Lanka

Understanding the patterns of smoking among schooling adolescents is crucial for developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies to address this public health concern and promote healthier behaviours. The objective of the study was to describe the patterns of self-reported tobacco smoking among schooling adolescents in government schools in the age group of 13-15 years in the Kandy district. A cross-sectional study was conducted. The subjects were selected using a stratified multi-stage cluster sampling method. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used.A total of 1395 students (Male 52.9%) were included. The Prevalence of ever tobacco smoking in the age group of 13 to 15 years, was 6.02% (95% CI, 4.83% - 7.40%). The prevalence of current smokers was 4.16% (3.23% - 5.24%). Most of the smokers felt they were healthy and smoking would not harm them (33.3%, n=28). Cigarette was the most common type of tobacco product used for smoking. The majority of current smokers get their tobacco products from a third person who is buying for them (77.6%, n=45). Social events were the most preferred place of smoking (35.7%, n=30). Parental smoking (0.023) and the presence of a sibling (&lt;0.0001) who smokes were significantly higher among smokers than nonsmokers. The identification of patterns of smoking among adolescents not only enhances our understanding of the issue but also serves as a foundation for developing effective prevention strategies to address this public health challenge.

Effect of dual tobacco smoking of hookah and cigarettes on semen parameters of infertile men.

The research regarding the effect of hookah smoking on health is still deficient, even though it has been proven to jeopardize human health by raising the hazard of different types of cancers, infections, and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to study the effect of dual tobacco smoking (hookah and cigarettes) on semen parameters of infertile men. In this cross-sectional study, we studied the effect of different types of smoking patterns on human semen parameters among men who visited IVF laboratories to do a seminal fluid analysis (SFA). A total number of 761 participants were included, divided into the following: 108 dual smokers, 219 hookah smokers, 222 cigarette smokers, and 212 non-smokers. To analyze the effect of dual smoking on normal morphology, an interaction term between the cigarette index and hookah index was used. Multivariable regression analysis after adjustment for age, BMI, education level, children, chronic diseases, varicocele, testicular surgery history, infertility duration, and cause revealed no significant difference in the sperm concentration and the percentage of progressive motility between non-smokers, cigarette smokers, or hookah smokers. However, there was a significant difference in the log of normal morphology percentage between the three groups. Cigarette and hookah smoking were significantly associated with having lower percentages of normal morphology. There was a significant difference in the log-normal morphology %, where light and heavy dual smokers had the least exponential beta of log-normal morphology %, 0.43 (95% CI: 0.33-0.55) and 0.36 (95% CI: 0.24-0.53), respectively. Dual tobacco smoking can adversely affect sperm morphology.

A comprehensive analysis of the health effects associated with smoking in the largest population using UK Biobank genotypic and phenotypic data

BackgroundSmoking is a widespread behavior, while the relationship between smoking and various diseases remains a topic of debate. ObjectiveWe conducted analysis to further examine the identified associations and assess potential causal relationships. MethodsWe utilized seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) known to be linked to smoking extracting genotype data from the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical repository encompassing comprehensive health-related and genetic information of European descent. Phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) analysis was conducted to map the association of genetically predicted smoking status with 1,549 phenotypes. The associations identified in the PheWAS were then meticulously examined through two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, utilizing data from the UK Biobank (n = 487,365) and the Sequencing Consortium of Alcohol and Nicotine Use (GSCAN) (n = 337,334). This approach allowed us to comprehensively characterize the links between smoking and disease patterns. ResultsThe PheWAS analysis produced 34 phenotypes that demonstrated significant associations with smoking (P = 0.05/1460). Importantly, sickle cell anemia and type 2 diabetes exhibited the most significant SNPs (both 85.71% significant SNPs). Furthermore, the MR analyses provided compelling evidence supporting causal associations between smoking and the risk of following diseases: obstructive chronic bronchitis (IVW: Beta = 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36-0.61, P = 1.62×10−13), cancer of the bronchus (IVW: Beta = 0.92, 95% CI 0.68-1.17, P = 2.02×10−13), peripheral vascular disease (IVW: Beta = 1.09, 95% CI 0.71-1.46, P = 1.63×10−8), emphysema (IVW: Beta = 1.63, 95% CI 0.90-2.36, P = 1.29×10−5), pneumococcal pneumonia (IVW: Beta = 0.30, 95% CI 0.11-0.49, P = 1.60×10−3), chronic airway obstruction (IVW: Beta = 0.83, 95% CI 0.30-1.36, P = 2.00×10−3) and type 2 diabetes (IVW: Beta = 0.53, 95% CI 0.16-0.90, P = 5.08×10−3). ConclusionThis study affirms causal relationships between smoking and obstructive chronic bronchitis, cancer of the bronchus, peripheral vascular disease, emphysema, pneumococcal pneumonia, chronic airway obstruction, type 2 diabetes, in the European population. These findings highlight the broad health impacts of smoking and support smoking cessation efforts.

Projection of the prevalence of tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer incidence using cigarette smoking prevalence in Iran from 1990 to 2018: a comparison of latent period-based models with standard forecasting models

BackgroundSmoking is the major risk factor for tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancers. We investigated the feasibility of projecting TBL cancer incidence using smoking incidence rates by incorporating a range of latent periods from the main risk factor exposure to TBL cancer diagnosis.MethodsIn this ecological study, we extracted data on TBL cancer incidence rates in Iran from 1990 to 2018 from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database. We also collected data on Iranian cigarette smoking patterns over the past 40 years through a literature review. The weighted average smoking incidence was calculated using a fixed-effects model with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. Using these data, the five-year TBL cancer incidence in Iran was projected through time series modeling with IT Service Management (ITSM) 2000 software. A second model was developed based on cigarette smoking incidence using linear regression with SPSS (version 22), incorporating different latent periods. The results of these two models were compared to determine the best latent periods.ResultsAn increasing trend in TBL cancer incidence was observed from 2019 to 2023 (first model: 10.30 [95% CI: 9.62, 10.99] to 11.42 [95% CI: 10.85, 11.99] per 100,000 people). In the second model, the most accurate prediction was obtained with latent periods of 17 to 20 years, with the best prediction using a 17-year latent period (10.13 to 11.40 per 100,000 people) and the smallest mean difference of 0.08 (0.84%) per 100,000 people using the standard forecasting model (the ARIMA model).ConclusionProjecting an increase in TBL cancer incidence rates in the future, an optimal latent period of 17 to 20 years between exposure to cigarette smoke and TBL cancer incidence has implications for macrolevel preventive health policymaking to help reduce the burden of TBL cancer in upcoming years.