Smoking habits and chronic bronchitis in Nigerian soldiers

A survey was carried out in a random sample of soldiers in units in Ibadan to highlight the pattern of cigarette smoking and the prevalence of chronic bronchitis. 804 soldiers were studied using the British Medical Research Council Questionnaire (BMRC) on chronic bronchitis with modifications. There were 128(15.92%) current smokers and 152(18.91%) ex-smokers. Most smokers had low tobacco consumption. The prevalence of chronic bronchitis was 2.24% with the prevalence in smokers being significantly greater than in non-smokers (p < 0.001). An association of chronic bronchitis with "domestic" smoke from firewood used in cooking was also shown (p < 0.005). Peak expiratory flow rate was significantly lower in smokers (p < 0.002) and in those with chronic bronchitis (p < 0.0001). This pilot study shows low consumption levels of tobacco and low prevalence of chronic bronchitis in Nigerian soldiers.