Abstract
BACKGROUND
The association between pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and tobacco smoke has been verified by most studies on the subject; figures from different countries for the prevalence of smoking among PTB patients vary.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of and factors associated with smoking among TB patients in Iran.
DESIGN
In this cross-sectional study, subjects were included on a first-come, first-served basis from among newly diagnosed PTB patients using a multistage cluster sampling method during 2012-2014. Data were collected during face-to-face interviews and a questionnaire was used to gather information on smoking habits.
RESULTS
Of 1127 newly diagnosed PTB patients included in the study (mean age 50.0 ± 19.8 years), 228 (20.2%) were daily smokers, 20 (1.8%) were occasional smokers and 93 (8.9%) had quit before diagnosis. Simultaneous drug use (P < 0.001, OR 75.21), increasing age (P = 0.001), being single (P < 0.001, OR 16.95), being an Iranian national (P < 0.001, OR 6.26) and living in a rural area (P < 0.001, OR 5.85) were found to be independent risk factors for smoking in study patients.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of smoking among PTB patients in Iran is relatively high. It is therefore necessary to include smoking cessation interventions in the National TB Programme.
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