Prevalence of Smoking among Patients Attending Cardiac Clinic in Gaza Strip
H. A. Abu Tawila
Department of Cardiovascular, Diseases-Private Clinic, Former Director of Cardiac Unit at El-Shifa Hospital, Palestine.
A. A. Thabet *
Department of Psychiatry, School of Public Health, Child Institute, Al Quds University, Gaza P.O.Box 5314, Palestine.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The aims of the study were to determine the prevalence of tobacco smoking among patients attending private clinic and to examine the socio-demographic correlates of smoking in Gaza City. A retrospective study was carried out. The case records of all patients attending private chest clinic Abu Tawelia in Gaza City from 2006-2014 were included. A total number of 1034 records of patients was included. The sample consisted of 514 males (49.85%) and 518 females (50.15%). The patients age ranged from 18 to 90 years with mean age of 54.7 years. Overall, the smoking prevalence was of 19.2%. Males smoked more than females (16.3% vs. 2.9% of total sample). Most current smokers smoked cigarettes (82.5%), but the use of Shisha was also common (17.5%). Mean smoking years was 26.16. Smoking prevailed in patients with age ranging from 28 to 58 years (48.5%). A bit less than 40% of smokers has started before 20 years of age.
Health-promotion activities should be established to decrease the prevalence of smoking and prevent future adverse health outcomes.
Keywords: Cardiac clinic, Gaza Strip, prevalence, tobacco smoking.