scholarly journals Self-reported smoking status and urinary cotinine levels in patients with asthma

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 477-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela Pimentel Pinheiro ◽  
Carolina de Souza-Machado ◽  
Andréia Guedes Oliva Fernandes ◽  
Raquel Cristina Lins Mota ◽  
Liranei Limoeiro Lima ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the frequency of active smoking among patients with asthma and individuals without asthma by self-report and urinary cotinine measurement. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the city of Salvador, Brazil, and involving 1,341 individuals: 498 patients with severe asthma, 417 patients with mild-to-moderate asthma, and 426 individuals without asthma. Smoking status was determined by self-report (with the use of standardized questionnaires) and urinary cotinine measurement. The study variables were compared with the chi-square test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Of the sample as a whole, 55 (4.1%) reported being current smokers. Of those, 5 had severe asthma, 17 had mild-to-moderate asthma, and 33 had no asthma diagnosis. Of the 55 smokers, 32 (58.2%) were daily smokers and 23 (41.8%) were occasional smokers. Urinary cotinine levels were found to be high in self-reported nonsmokers and former smokers, especially among severe asthma patients, a finding that suggests patient nondisclosure of smoking status. Among smokers, a longer smoking history was found in patients with severe asthma when compared with those with mild-to-moderate asthma. In addition, the proportion of former smokers was higher among patients with severe asthma than among those with mild-to-moderate asthma. Conclusions: Former smoking is associated with severe asthma. Current smoking is observed in patients with severe asthma, and patient nondisclosure of smoking status occurs in some cases. Patients with severe asthma should be thoroughly screened for smoking, and findings should be complemented by objective testing.

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-370
Author(s):  
Maria Michou ◽  
Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos ◽  
Christos Lionis ◽  
Vassiliki Costarelli

BACKGROUND: Low Health Literacy (HL) and Nutrition Literacy (NL) are associated with serious negative health outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate certain lifestyle factors and obesity, in relation to HL and NL. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban area of the Attica region, in Greece. The sample consisted of 1281 individuals, aged ≥18 years. HL, NL sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle factors (physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption,) were assessed. Mann-Whitney U, the Kruskall Wallis, Pearson chi-square tests and multiple linear regression models were used. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis has shown that smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity, were associated with HL levels (–1.573 points for ex-smokers in comparison to smokers, p = 0.035, –1.349 points for alcohol consumers in comparison to non-consumers, p = 0.006 and 1.544 points for physically active individuals to non-active, p = 0.001). With respect to NL levels, it was also not associated with any of these factors. Obesity was not associated with HL and NL levels. CONCLUSIONS: Certain lifestyle factors, including physical activity, are predicting factors of HL levels, in Greek adults. The results contribute to the understanding of the relationship between lifestyle factors and HL and should be taken into account when HL policies are designed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Woncheol Lee ◽  
Yoosoo Chang ◽  
Hocheol Shin ◽  
Seungho Ryu

AbstractWe examined the associations of smoking status and urinary cotinine levels, an objective measure of smoking, with the development of new-onset HL. This cohort study was performed in 293,991 Korean adults free of HL who underwent a comprehensive screening examination and were followed for up to 8.8 years. HL was defined as a pure-tone average of thresholds at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 kHz ≥ 25 dB in both ears. During a median follow-up of 4.9 years, 2286 participants developed new-onset bilateral HL. Self-reported smoking status was associated with an increased risk of new-onset bilateral HL. Multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for incident HL comparing former smokers and current smokers to never-smokers were 1.14 (1.004–1.30) and 1.40 (1.21–1.61), respectively. Number of cigarettes, pack-years, and urinary cotinine levels were consistently associated with incident HL. These associations were similarly observed when introducing changes in smoking status, urinary cotinine, and other confounders during follow-up as time-varying covariates. In this large cohort of young and middle-aged men and women, smoking status based on both self-report and urinary cotinine level were independently associated with an increased incidence of bilateral HL. Our findings indicate smoking is an independent risk factor for HL.


2019 ◽  
pp. 31-37
Author(s):  
Satabdi Saha ◽  
Krunal S Soni ◽  
Niharika . ◽  
Subrata Saha

Aims A cross sectional study was undertaken to assess the level of knowledge, experience and attitude regarding child abuse and neglect among dentists of West Bengal. Material and Methods Data was collected from an anonymous, self-report questionnaire from 160 dentists of West Bengal. Data was interpreted in SPSS software. Descriptive statistics was generated and Chi square test was used to compare between groups. Results Results of this present study suggest a lack of proper awareness and thorough knowledge among the dentists of West Bengal. This is preventing them from recognizing suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. Lack of knowledge about legal procedures against child abuse poses a barrier to report diagnosed cases effectively. Summary and Conclusion Further improvement in child abuse education is needed to enhance the dental professionals’ ability to identify child abuse and neglect cases and rise above this serious child healthcare issue. Key Words-child abuse, awareness of dentists, child maltreatment


2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Stelmach ◽  
Frederico Leon Arrabal Fernandes ◽  
Regina Maria Carvalho-Pinto ◽  
Rodrigo Abensur Athanazio ◽  
Samia Zahi Rached ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: Smoking prevalence is frequently estimated on the basis of self-reported smoking status. That can lead to an underestimation of smoking rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference between self-reported smoking status and that determined through the use of objective measures of smoking at a pulmonary outpatient clinic. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 144 individuals: 51 asthma patients, 53 COPD patients, 20 current smokers, and 20 never-smokers. Smoking status was determined on the basis of self-reports obtained in interviews, as well as through tests of exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) and urinary cotinine. RESULTS: All of the asthma patients and COPD patients declared they were not current smokers. In the COPD and asthma patients, the median urinary cotinine concentration was 167 ng/mL (range, 2-5,348 ng/mL) and 47 ng/mL (range, 5-2,735 ng/mL), respectively (p < 0.0001), whereas the median eCO level was 8 ppm (range, 0-31 ppm) and 5 ppm (range, 2-45 ppm), respectively (p < 0.05). In 40 (38%) of the patients with asthma or COPD (n = 104), there was disagreement between the self-reported smoking status and that determined on the basis of the urinary cotinine concentration, a concentration > 200 ng/mL being considered indicative of current smoking. In 48 (46%) of those 104 patients, the self-reported non-smoking status was refuted by an eCO level > 6 ppm, which is also considered indicative of current smoking. In 30 (29%) of the patients with asthma or COPD, the urinary cotinine concentration and the eCO level both belied the patient claims of not being current smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that high proportions of smoking pulmonary patients with lung disease falsely declare themselves to be nonsmokers. The accurate classification of smoking status is pivotal to the treatment of lung diseases. Objective measures of smoking could be helpful in improving clinical management and counseling.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toni Kiljander ◽  
Tuija Poussa ◽  
Timo Helin ◽  
Antero Jaakkola ◽  
Kari Venho ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Surprisingly little is known about asthma control among asthmatics who smoke. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate asthma symptom control according to the GINA guidelines among asthmatics with a clinically significant smoking history. Methods One hundred ninety asthmatics from primary care in Finland were investigated. The patients were current or previous cigarette smokers with a history of 10 or more pack-years. They completed a questionnaire including questions on asthma symptoms and reliever use so that their level of asthma symptom control (well controlled, partly controlled, or uncontrolled) according to GINA could be determined. Results Sixty-six (34.7%) patients had their asthma well controlled, 81 (42.6%) had their asthma partly controlled, and 43 (22.6%) had uncontrolled asthma. Current smokers had uncontrolled asthma more often than ex-smokers, OR 2.54 (95% CI 1.25-5.14, p=0.01). Patients with moderate to severe asthma exacerbation during the previous year had uncontrolled asthma more often than patients without an exacerbation, OR 2.17 (95% CI 1.06-4.47, p=0.04), and patients with FEV1 < 80% of predicted had uncontrolled asthma more often than patients with FEV1 > 80% of predicted, OR 2.04 (95% CI 1.02-4.08, p=0.04). Conclusions Asthmatic patients with a clinically significant smoking history often do not have well controlled asthma. Poor asthma symptom control was associated with current smoking status, history of exacerbations and impaired lung function. Therefore, every attempt should be made to help asthmatics who smoke to quit smoking.


Author(s):  
Sumana M. ◽  
Sreelatha C. Y. ◽  
Sundar M. ◽  
Narottam Das

Background: Cessation of tobacco is important to prevent non-communicable diseases and mortality. Smokers frequently approach doctors for various health ailments. This opportunity can be utilized to give tobacco cessation advice. This study aims to assess the clinician’s practice perspectives barriers and need for the training related to tobacco cessation.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore tobacco cessation practices of clinicians of a teaching hospital attached to Medical College in Hassan, Karnataka, India. Pre-tested, pre-structured self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all the clinicians in person. All the Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors, Senior Residents and Junior Residents in the departments coming in contact with smokers were included in the study and patients were also interviewed to assess their smoking status, willingness to quit and counselling by physicians using pre-structured oral questionnaire.Results: Almost 84.4% of clinicians said they ask about smoking history but only 50.9% said they assess patients’ willingness to quit smoking. 37% assist patients to quit smoking and 29.8% arranged follow up visits. 25% of clinicians mentioned undergraduate and postgraduate training prepared them to help patients quit smoking. Remaining said it was inadequate. All agreed that it is their role to help, motivate, discuss, speak, refer and monitor patients who smoke to quit.Conclusions: Majority of the doctors believed that they play a very important role in tobacco cessation activities. There is a need for Undergraduate and postgraduate skill based training to assist patients quit the tobacco habit. The study showed a need for adherence and reinforcement of tobacco cessation guidelines. 


2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 179-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Cristina Echer ◽  
Ana Paula Almeida Corrêa ◽  
Amália de Fátima Lucena ◽  
Stephani Amanda Lukasewicz Ferreira ◽  
Marli Maria Knorst

This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of smoking among employees of a university hospital in Southern Brazil. Data collection happened in 2008, during the periodic health exam, using a questionnaire, according to the smoking status of the employees. The sample consisted of 1,475 subjects, in which 979 (66.4%) were non-smokers, 295 (20%) former smokers and 201 (13.6%) smokers. Smoking was more prevalent among employees with lower education levels and among professionals in administrative positions. Among smokers, low dependence was identified, as well as desire and high degree of motivation to stop smoking, with health concerns as the main reason. Thus, taking into account the motivation of smokers to stop smoking, this is an appropriate time for health education and specific support to employees in the process of smoking cessation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Gendall ◽  
Janet Hoek

BackgroundConcerns about the effects of vaping have prompted calls to restrict e-cigarette flavours. Vaping proponents have criticised these proposals, which they argue may discourage smokers from taking up vaping or trigger relapse to smoking. We explored the role flavours play in vaping uptake and cessation among New Zealand cigarette smokers and vaping-susceptible never smokers (VSNS), and examined current vapers’ preferred flavours.MethodsWe conducted an online survey of 1005 New Zealanders aged 18–70 years that included 324 current vapers (vaped in the last 30 days) and 302 ‘past’ vapers (reported past vaping, but not within the last month). We asked respondents their reasons for vaping and explored current vapers’ preferred e-cigarette flavours; we analysed the data using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.ResultsIrrespective of smoking status, flavour was one of the main reasons respondents gave for vaping (smokers 83%; former smokers 77%; VSNS 80%). Flavour was less important to former vapers; 47% of smokers, 57% of former smokers and 64% of VSNS cited flavour as a reason for originally taking up vaping. Fruit flavours were most popular among all three groups; smokers also favoured tobacco flavour, while former smokers also favoured mint or menthol, and never smokers also favoured confectionery/sweets/lolly flavours.ConclusionsFlavours play a major role in vaping initiation for current smokers, former smokers and vaping-susceptible non-smokers, and remain important to those who continue vaping. Our findings highlight the need for regulation that allows some flavour diversity without the extravagant marketing currently used to promote vaping and e-liquids.


Endocrine ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 613-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eke G. Gruppen ◽  
Jenny Kootstra-Ros ◽  
Anneke Muller Kobold ◽  
Margery A. Connelly ◽  
Daan Touw ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose The extent to which smoking is associated with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) when taking account of clinical variables including alcohol consumption is unclear. We aimed to determine associations of TSH, FT4, and FT3 levels with current smoking. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in 5766 euthyroid participants (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease cohort). Current smoking was determined by self-report, categorized as never, former, and current (≤20 and >20 cigarettes per day). Smoke exposure was determined by urinary cotinine. Results Current smoking of ≤20 and >20 cigarettes per day was associated with lower TSH and higher FT3 levels. FT4 levels were higher in subjects smoking <20 cigarettes per day vs. never and former smokers. Current smokers also consumed more alcohol. Multivariable linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, anti-TPO autoantibody positivity, alcohol consumption, and other variables demonstrated that lower TSH, higher FT4 and higher FT3 were associated with smoking ≤20 cigarettes per day vs. subjects who never smoked (P < 0.001, P = 0.018, and P < 0.001, respectively) without a further significant incremental effect of smoking >20 cigarettes per day. In agreement, TSH was inversely, whereas FT4 and FT3 levels were positively associated with urinary cotinine (P < 0.001 for each). In contrast, alcohol consumption >30 g per day conferred higher TSH and lower FT3 levels. Conclusions Cigarette smoking is associated with modestly higher FT4 and FT3, and lower TSH levels, partly opposing effects of alcohol consumption.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (spe) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline de Souza ◽  
Hayley Hamilton ◽  
Maria da Gloria Miotto Wright

ABSTRACT Objective: to determine alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine use, abuse, and dependence, and to identify the association between the use of these substances and the academic performance of undergraduate students. Method: a cross-sectional study with 275 undergraduate students from health and humanities courses at a university in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. The instruments used were the Questionnaire for Screening the Use of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Substances and the student’s self-report on their performance considering a scale from zero to 10. For analysis, Fisher’s Exact Test and Pearson’s Chi-square test were used. Results: the pattern of alcohol and cocaine use in the sample studied was similar to the national average; however the prevalence of marijuana abuse was higher than the average. The use of marijuana was associated with the students’ academic performance in this study. Conclusion: the same association between abuse of and dependence on marijuana was not identified in the sample studied.


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