ANALYSIS OF HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN SMOKERS VS NON-SMOKERS IN KASHMIR VALLEY

Tobacco use is a persistent global health challenge, yet the haematological effects of different smoking modalities in high-altitude, resource-limited settings remain underexplored. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Budgam, Kashmir (15 January–15 June 2025) enrolling 120 adults (62 smokers; 58 non-smokers) to compare complete blood count (CBC) indices and modality-specific patterns. Venous blood was analysed under stringent quality control; smokers were stratified as cigarette, hookah, or mixed users. Primary outcomes included haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, haematocrit (Hct), platelet count, and white blood cell (WBC) count. Group differences were tested with Welch’s t-tests and effect sizes; subgroup, duration, and multivariable models adjusted for age, sex, and modality. Smokers showed higher Hb (+2.64 g/dL; 95% CI 2.16–3.12) and RBC (+0.58×10⁶/µL; 95% CI 0.42–0.74), borderline higher Hct, and modest platelet suppression (−24.3×10³/µL; 95% CI −46.6 to −2.0). WBC differences were non-significant after excluding acute infections. Modality analyses suggested greater erythrocytosis in mixed users and higher Hb among cigarette versus hookah users. Findings support hypoxia-driven erythropoiesis with small but consistent platelet reduction, emphasizing the need to disaggregate product types in research and tobacco control. CBC indices may serve as low-cost biomarkers to flag smoking-related harm in low- and middle- income, high-altitude populations.