PATTERNS OF TOBACCO SMOKING IN HARIPUR

Background: The use of tobacco in any form by human being has proved to be a health hazard and its harmful effects on human health cannot be ignored. Smoking is the largest single preventable cause of ill health in the world, affecting smokers and non-smokers through pollution of the environment. We decided to know the pattern of tobacco smoking and their harmful effects in the residents of Haripur.Material Methods: The study was carried out on 3200 subjects residing in different localities of Haripur. A questionnaire regarding their personal and specific information about smoking was filled individually. They were also asked about the common harmful effects of smoking. The results were compiled and analyzed.Results: Out of the 3200 study population, 1460 (45.63%) were found to be smokers. Some persons also used huka and cigar. Six hundred and twenty (42.46 %) smokers were smoking just for company while 456 (31.23 %) for anxiety and remaining 384 (26.30 %) only casually. Twenty to forty cigarettes of different brands per day were used. They were consuming money for cigarette smoking in the range of Pakistani Rupees 300-2000 per month.Among smokers, 855 (58.56 %) complained of nocturnal cough, 270 (18.49 %) during day and 335 (22.95 %) at both the times. Five hundred eleven smokers (35 %) complained of sputum, while 116 subjects (7.94 %) haemoptysis. One hundred and nine smokers (7.46 %) reported symptoms or diagnosis of ischeamic heart disease. Eighty-eight (6.02 %) smokers smoked during fasting of Holy month of Ramazan. Eight hundred and seventy five smokers (59.93 %) do not hesitate to smoke at public places.Conclusion: Smoking is quite common in Haripur. Smokers should quit smoking to avoid financial losses and harmful physical effects.