Smoking Among Healthcare Workers: A Study at Laghouat Public Hospital

<bold>Aims:</bold> This study aims to assess the prevalence of smoking among healthcare workers at Laghouat Public Hospital in 2021. Secondary objectives included exploring age and gender-based differences, assessing the association between smoking and professional categories, examining correlations between smoking (Pack-Year Index or PAI) and respiratory function, and comprehensively evaluating the overall health status in relation to tobacco use. <bold>Methods:</bold> Employing a two-level random sampling method, we obtained a representative sample of 198 subjects. Structured interviews, comprehensive clinical examinations, and spirometry were conducted to assess pulmonary function <bold>Results:</bold> The prevalence of active smoking among Laghouat Hospital staff was 18.6% (CI: 14.4% - 27.8%), with no significant age difference between smokers and non-smokers. Notably, 6.06% reported smoking cessation, while 5.05% mentioned smokeless tobacco use. A significant prevalence of smoking (53.70%) was observed among male paramedical staff. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease was relatively infrequent, with only two cases. However, spirometric data revealed a correlation between increased PAI and decreased Forced Expiratory Volume (r=-0.29, p=0.044). Additionally, the PAI showed a positive correlation with the Body Mass Index or BMI (r=0.43, p=0.002). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> The study underscores a substantial prevalence of self-reported smoking among healthcare workers at Laghouat Hospital, particularly among male paramedical staff. Spirometric analysis demonstrated a correlation between PAI and reduced pulmonary function, highlighting the importance of smoking cessation initiatives.