Prevalence of bronchial asthma and its association with smoking habits among adult population in rural area.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural field practice area of Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore. A total of 3194 adult individuals (18-70 years) were selected from 30 villages (clusters) using a cluster-sampling technique. Individuals with symptoms suggestive of asthma were subjected for clinical examination for the diagnosis of asthma. Among the 3194 respondents, 1518 (47.5%) were males and 1676 (52.5%) were females. The prevalence of bronchial asthma was 2.88%. The prevalence of asthma was higher among those reporting a history of current smoking. Among current smokers, the number of cigarettes/bidis/hookah smoked daily did not differ (P > 0.05) between individuals without asthma and with asthma, whereas the mean number of years of smoking did differ (P < 0.001). There was significant association between tobacco smoking and bronchial asthma.