Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Smokers with Smoking-Related Diseases Attending a Smoking Cessation Unit in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Introduction: Smoking is a major public health problem and one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide. Regular tobacco consumption is associated with the development of numerous somatic diseases and complications. All forms of tobacco use are harmful to health. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of tobacco-related diseases among smokers attending the Smoking Cessation Unit of Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Methodology: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection conducted at the Smoking Cessation Unit of the Pulmonology Department of Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital over a three-year period, from May 1, 2017, to June 30, 2020. The study included all smokers with smoking-related diseases, regardless of age or sex, who had complete and analyzable medical records. Results: A total of 165 out of 947 smokers attending the Smoking Cessation Unit had at least one documented smoking-related disease, corresponding to a prevalence of 17.51%. The study population was predominantly male (98.78%). The mean age of smokers with smoking-related diseases was 43.82 years (range: 14 - 77 years), with the 40 - 50-year age group being the most represented. Most participants were professionally active (81.81%). The mean age at smoking initiation was 19 years (range: 11 - 41 years). The mean number of cigarettes smoked per day was 18 (range: 3 - 60), and the mean duration of smoking was 23 years (range: 2 - 56). Among the 165 smokers with smoking-related diseases, cardiovascular diseases were present in 50.90% of cases, mainly hypertension and stroke. Respiratory diseases, particularly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), were observed in 55.75%, while psychiatric disorders included anxiety (35.15%) and depression (32.12%). Conclusion: This study highlighted significant associations between smoking characteristics and the clinical profile of smokers with smoking-related diseases. The main respiratory conditions observed were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Cardiovascular diseases were mainly represented by hypertension and stroke. A significant association was found between hypertension and smoking duration.