General perceptions and practices of smokers regarding tobacco-related issues and hazards

To assess the perceptions and practices related to tobacco consumption and its hazards among cigarette smokers seeking medical attention.

The cross-sectional study included 180 active smokers who were either hospitalised in medical or chest ward or attending pulmonary OPD at Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, between January and July 2010. Patients having altered sensorium were excluded from the study. A questionnaire was filled by the consulting participants. SPSS version 15 and chi-square tests were used for statistical analyses.

A total of 180 questionnaires were distributed among 118 (65.6%) in-house and 62 (34.4%) active smokers in the out-patients department. These included 154 (85.6%) males and 26 (14.4%) females, with a mean age of 53.84 +/- 17.35 years, and with varying pack years (mean 26.44 +/- 19.89). Apart from cigarettes, 42 (74%) were also smoking other types of tobacco. Attempt to quit smoking was made by 92 (51.1%) and 151 (83.9%) were willing to give up. Majority of them 130 (72%) had at least two more smokers in the family. Most of the patients 169 (93.9%) presented with illnesses directly related to smoking. Besides, 127 (70.6%) patients had visited their general practitioners within the preceding year and a positive history of hospitalisation was found in 101 (56.1%). Regarding the knowledge of smoking hazards, only 5 (2.8%) could name three organs that may dysfunction due to smoking. While 162 (90%) had poor perception regarding the estimated number of chemicals in a cigarette, 120 (66.7%) knew the smoking's association with cancer.

A high proportion of urban population consumes tobacco and most are poorly informed about the traumatic effects of its consumption. The continuing habits of patients with a history of seeking medical attention suggest that healthcare providers are missing opportunities for quit-smoking counselling.