Influence of smoking on duration and recurrence of hospitalization

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the relation between cigarette smoking and changes in hospitalization for some common cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Cigarette smoking has well-documented effects on most organs of the body. Previous studies have linked smoking bconsumption to a considerable disease burden and large healthcare expenditures. However, findings from studies based on individual level data were sparse and inconclusive. Few studies have examined the relation between smoking and patterns of admission to hospital. The annual rates of hospital admission attributable to three cardiovascular conditions ( myocardial infarction, angina, and ischemic stroke) and three respiratory conditions (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chest infection) were studied during the period from August 2007 to July 2010, 1164 smoker patients were taken as active group and 856 nonsmoker patients were regarded as never smoker group (control group). Smoking status was strongly associated with increased duration of hospitalization. For smoking-related admissions (active group), odds ratios (OR) of 2.77 (95% CI 2.13–3.59) in men and 6.30 (95% CI 4.80–8.26) in women were observed among smokers compared to never-smokers. The study also showed a significant increase in the rate of recurrence of admission to the hospital (p<0.05) while nonsignificant changes in the control group. In addition the study revealed a significant association between smoking and increased rates of duration and recurrence of admission to hospital in women in comparison to men. The results of this study serve to expand the list of health outcomes that may be ameliorated by avoiding smoking .