Behavior and Knowledge of Iranian Professional Athletes towards Smoking

A study to assess smoking habits and smoking exposure in sportspeople

BACKGROUND

Tobacco smoking is a leading public health concern and is the most preventable cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Sportspeople are no exception and those who smoke are predisposed to the same hazardous health effects as the general public, in addition to the potential effects it may have on their sporting performance.

AIM

We aimed to ascertain the prevalence of tobacco consumption in a sporting population. We also endeavoured to quantify the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and assess exposure to passive smoking.

DESIGN

Observational study.

METHODS

A web-based e-questionnaire was distributed to participants from various sports across Ireland between November 2017 and January 2018, and data were analysed using SPSS.

RESULTS

A total of 546 sportspeople completed the survey with more than twice as many male respondents. Of whom, 16% of participants were current smokers, with males significantly more likely to smoke (P < 0.001), 26% of rugby players were current smokers which was significantly higher when compared with other sports (P < 0.01), 10% of all participants were exposed to second-hand smoke for more than 1 h per day and 2% of all participants were current users of e-cigarettes.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of smoking in our study population was higher than other literature reports. Further studies are essential to evaluate the potential negative effects this may be having on sporting performance, career progression and indeed injury occurrence/rehabilitation. It is imperative to address the matter of smoking in athletes, not only for public health concerns but also considering they are important role models in our society.

Smoking characteristics and lung functions among university athletes

Cigarette smoking has negative effects on the respiratory system, particularly pulmonary functions. This study aimed to determine smoking prevalence and characteristics among university athletes. We conducted a cross-sectional study of Thammasat University athletes in Thailand from July to October 2018. Demographic and smoking data were recorded. Exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) levels and lung function data were analysed. A total of 433 subjects (56% men) were included. Mean age was 19.8 ± 1.3 years. Asthma was reported in 5.5%. The prevalence of current cigarette smoking was 23.8%. Tobacco use was 3.0 ± 3.2 cigarettes per day. The Fagerstrom score for nicotine dependence was 0.76 ± 1.47. Compared to non-smokers, smokers were predominately males (70.6% vs 29.4%, P < 0.001), had higher exhaled CO levels (3.75 ± 3.08 ppm vs 2.18 ± 0.73 ppm, P < 0.001), higher FVC (89.65 ± 17.61% vs 83.22 ± 15.72%, P = 0.001), higher FEV₁ (92.60 ± 15.36% vs 87.77 ± 11.23%, P = 0.002), but lower FEV₁/FVC (78.21 ± 5.38% vs 79.70 ± 5.60%, P = 0.015). Moreover, athletes who smoke, were more likely to: drink alcohol, have a family member who smokes, have a friend who smokes or have a university instructor who smokes. In conclusion, smoking prevalence among university athletes was relatively high, although low nicotine addiction level and good lung functions were found. Home and institute environments had important influences on cigarette use in students.

Trial registration: TCTR20180917001

Tobacco Use and Its Health Effects among Professional Athletes in Qatar

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of tobacco use on selected markers of health and lung function in professional athletes. A total of 108 male professional athletes participated in the study from ten ball game teams in the same sport league in Qatar (age = 26.4 ± 5.1 yrs, height = 190.6 ± 11.9 cm, and weight = 91.5 ± 16.4 kg). The athletes have been playing professionally for about 6.3 years on average. In addition to demographic and tobacco use status, the following clinical variables were measured: resting blood pressure, heart rate, FVC, FEV₁ sec, and PEF. The prevalence of tobacco use among the athletes was 27.7%. The FVC, FVC%, and FEV₁% were significantly lower among the smokers compared to the nonsmokers (p = 0.003, 0.044, and 0.001, resp.). There were no significant differences between cigarettes smokers and nonsmokers in BP, HR, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, PEF, and PEF%. Similarly, those who smoked shisha had lower FEV₁% values as compared to those who did not smoke shisha (p = 0.001). The decrease of FEV₁ and FVC among smokers compared to nonsmokers is similar to what has been reported in the literature about other populations.