The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and smoking among young people in Moscow

Abstract

Background: The smoking is a preventable risk factor of chronic respiratory diseases.

Aim: To study the prevalence of smoking and respiratory symptoms among young people in Moscow.

Methods: The survey of 1252 residents aged 15-24 years of one district of Moscow was conducted using GA²LEN questionnaire (response rate - 85,0%). The statistical analysis was perfomed using Statistica (v.10) software package, EPINFO WHO (v.7). To compare the data of two groups OR (95%CI) and Mental-Henszel χ² were calculated. The difference was substantial if p<0,05.

Results: The prevalence of smoking was 13,2% among men and 13,0% among women (p=0,895). The regular smoking among young people was registered from the age 10 years and older. The intensity of smoking was in 2 times higher in men compared to women.

The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher in smokers (S) than in non-smokers (NS):wheezing in the chest in the last 12 mounths among men (19,1% NS vs 26,3% S; p<0,001) and women (15,9% NS vs 29,5% S; p<0,001); the symptoms of allergic rhinitis in the last 12 mounths among men (19,3% NS vs 30,3% S; p<0,001) and women (33,0%NS vs 38,6%S; p<0,009); the nasal congection for the least 12 weeks among men (20,3% NS vs 25,0% S; p<0,012) and women (18,1% NS vs 27,3% S; p<0,001).

Conclusions: The adverse effects of smoking on the respiratory health of young people requires an active prevention to reduce the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and educational program for to stop smoking.