Respiratory symptoms and smoking behaviour in Swiss conscripts.
Smoking is a major health hazard in young adults. Reducing smoking is the only well established effective primary prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We undertook a prospective cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, smoking behaviour and willingness to participate in a smoking cessation program in Swiss conscripts.



Conscripts completed a standardized questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, asthma and smoking behaviour and underwent spirometry measurement.



2604 conscripts were included. 1252 (48%) were current smokers, 144 (6%) were former smokers, 111 (4%) were recent beginners or low intensity smokers and 1097 (42%) were never smokers. Respiratory symptoms were significantly higher in smokers compared to never smokers (wheezing 16% vs. 7%, wheezing without cold 9% vs. 4%, exercise dyspnoea 15% vs. 10%, regular cough 35% vs. 10% and regular phlegm 15% vs. 2%). The mean score of the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependency (FTND) was 2.6 (+/-2.1). According to the transtheoretical model of stage of change 50% were in the precontemplation, 34% in the contemplation, 5% in the preparation, 5% in the action and 6% in the maintenance stage. Amongst the current smokers 33% were willing to participate in a smoking cessation program. Those willing to participate in a smoking cessation program included 17% precontemplators and 53% contemplators.



There is a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms in young current smokers. The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence score in conscripts is low thus favouring a potentially successful outcome of a smoking cessation intervention. Using motivational stages to tailor smoking cessation aids might preclude adequate interventions in individuals belonging to the precontemplation stage.
Miedinger
David
D
Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland. miedingerd@uhbs.ch
Chhajed
Prashant N
PN
Karli
Christoph
C
Lupi
Gianpiero A
GA
Leuppi
Jörg D
JD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003371:Cough / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012135:Respiratory Sounds; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D013557:Switzerland