Prevalence of bronchial asthma and its association with smoking habits among adult population in rural area

Background: Only few studies have been conducted in rural areas in India to study the relationship of active tobacco smoking in bronchial asthma. Hence the present study was conducted with the objectives: 1. To find out the prevalence of bronchial asthma. 2. To find out the association between tobacco smoking and bronchial asthma. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in the rural field practice area of Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore. Totally 3194 adult individuals (18-70years) were selected from 30 villages (clusters) using cluster-sampling technique. On visiting each house, previously validated and standardized translated Kannada version questionnaire was administered. Individuals with symptoms suggestive of asthma were subjected for clinical examination for the diagnosis of asthma. The data was compiled and analyzed. Results: Among the 3194 respondents, 1518 (47.5%) were males & 1676 (52.5%) were females. The prevalence of bronchial asthma was 2.88%. The prevalence of asthma was higher among those reporting a history of current smoking. Among current smokers the number of cigarettes/ bidis/ hookah smoked daily did not differ (p>0.05) between individuals without asthma and with asthma, whereas the mean number of years of smoking did differ (p<0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant association between tobacco smoking and bronchial asthma.

Key words: Tobacco smoking, bronchial asthma, rural adult population, association, risk factor