Prevalence and Patterns of Chronic Diseases Among Adult Smokers in the City of Zawia, Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Smoking remains a major global public health concern and a key contributor to chronic disease burden. Despite its known health consequences, limited data are available on the prevalence and patterns of chronic diseases among smokers in Libya.  Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of chronic diseases among adult smokers in the city of Zawia, Libya, and to explore their association with demographic and behavioural factors.  Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 adult smokers in Zawia using a structured questionnaire that assessed demographic characteristics, smoking behaviours, and the presence of chronic diseases including diabetes, hypertension, asthma, heart disease, and arthritis. Data were analysed using descriptive and correlation statistics to assess relationships between variables.  Results: The mean age of participants was 41.2 ± 10.4 years. The majority (41%) were aged between 40–50 years, 89% were government employees, and 58% held secondary-level education. The average smoking duration was 19 years, with a mean of 21.6 cigarettes smoked per day. The prevalence of chronic diseases among smokers was as follows: diabetes (17%), hypertension (15%), asthma (12%), heart disease (11%), and arthritis (14%). Despite these observed rates, statistical analyses revealed no significant correlations between age, age of smoking initiation, or number of cigarettes smoked per day and the occurrence of chronic diseases (p > 0.05).  Conclusion: The findings highlight a considerable burden of chronic diseases among adult smokers in Zawia. Although no significant associations were found between smoking patterns and disease occurrence, the high prevalence of these conditions emphasizes the urgent need for targeted health awareness, early screening, and smoking cessation programs to reduce chronic disease risks in Libyan communities.