Comparative Studies of the Effects of Smoking on Haemoglobin and Haematocrit Levels between Smokers and Non-Smokers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The exact mechanisms of action of smoking in the pathophysiology of these diseases are not known but may be attributed to the abnormalities in blood rheology. Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the effect of smoking on carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb), haemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) levels between smokers and non-smokers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Seventy-eight (39 smokers and 39 non-smokers) individuals participated in this study. A structured questionnaire was administered to each individual participant to elicit details such as their personal data, age, sex, residence, marital status, alcohol consumption, smoking, number of sticks smoked per day, duration of smoking, as well as the history of any underlying disease. Blood samples were collected from the participants and analyzed using standard methods. Results: This study revealed that non-smokers had a significant (p<0.05) higher mean hematocrit, and hemoglobin concentration than smokers, while smokers had significantly higher (p<0.05) carboxyhemoglobin than non-smokers when they were compared. There were no significant differences in mean Hb concentration and Hct when compared based on smoking durations, current smoking status, smoking intensity, age of smokers, smokers' drinking habits, and family history of smoking. Conclusion: The present study indicated significantly higher mean COHb, but lower Hb and Hct levels among current smokers compared with non-smoking control. Furthermore, Hb and Hct levels were not affected by the duration of smoking, current smoking status of smokers, the intensity of smoking, age of smokers, alcohol habits of smokers, and family history of smoking.