Smoking Habit Among COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

Background This study intended to evaluate the effect of smoking propensity on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and the effect of COVID-19 infection on smoking propensity. The COVID-19 outbreak has forced people toward a better approach to life owing to limited developments, confinement in closed areas, and severe hygiene maneuvers for long periods. This period has been considered as a ‘transition’ stage and appears to require a look forward toward an altered life approach. Aim The aim of the work was to evaluate the effect of smoking on COVID-19 infection and the effect of COVID-19 infection on smoking propensity. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted through self-reported surveys. The study was conducted on 101 COVID-19-infected patients aged from 17 to 70 years old, who presented to the Department of Chest of Ain Shams University after approval of the Medical Ethical Committee. The study was conducted through self reported surveys, which included data on risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, and the severity of COVID-19 infection. Results Regarding the associated comorbidities, hypertension was the most frequent disease found in 19.8% of patients followed by diabetes mellitus, which was found in 14.85, then ischemic heart diseases in 9.9%, and then chronic lung disease in 7.92%. Regarding general symptoms of COVID-19, fever was the most common symptom found in 42.57% of patients followed by anosmia in 19.8%, dyspnea in 13.86%, cough in 6.93%, bony aches in 6.93%, loss of taste in 6.94%, and then joint pain, fatigue, chest pain, and vomiting in 0.99% for each. Overall, 17.82% of COVID-19-infected patients required hospital admission, whereas 11.82% required oxygen therapy and 5.94% of patients required ICU admission. Only one COVID-19-infected patient had undergone spirometry after COVID-19. Overall, 47.56% experienced smoking cessation, 45.12% never tried to quit smoking, and 7.32% tried multiple times to quit. Multiple factors have affected smoking habit as follows: marriage has increased smoking in 61.9% of participants, and also work, depression, and happiness have increased smoking in 92.31, 95.12, and 64.63% of participants, respectively. Conclusion COVID-19 pandemic has led to unexpected changes in daily activities and alteration in health behaviors. The effects of smoking on human health are serious and profound. Smoking has increased the severity of COVID-19, symptoms, and hospital admission, especially in persons with multiple comorbidities. In the present study, there was a significant relation between admission to hospital and age, period of smoking, and frequency of smoking. Smoking cessation programs should be conducted for individuals, as they help smokers recognize and cope with problems that come up during quitting.