ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Ahead of print publication

Early Detection of Airflow Limitation in Men Smoking Tobacco in Rural Parts of Belgaum District using Handheld Spirometer: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vinay Mahishale¹, Arati Mahishale², Bhagyashri Patil¹, Avuthu Sindhuri¹, Ajith Eti^1
1 Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Karnatak Lingayat Education University's Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India
² Department of OBG Physiotherapy, Karnatak Lingayat Education University's Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India

Correspondence Address:
Vinay Mahishale,
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Karnatak Lingayat Education University's Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum - 590 010, Karnataka
India

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None

DOI: 10.4103/0970-0218.173494

Abstract

Background: Significant numbers of men in rural India are exposed to tobacco smoke in various forms. They are at risk of airflow limitation, however literature on prevalence of which in Indian rural men is limited. In rural settings, facilities for diagnosis of airflow limitation are very scarce. Objective: The present cross-sectional study aimed to find the prevalence of airflow limitation in men smoking tobacco in rural areas of Belgaum district. Materials and Methods: A total of 1,530 men smoking tobacco in six rural areas of Belgaum district were subjected to handheld spirometry testing for airflow limitation which was defined as a ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV ₁ ) to forced expiratory volume in six second (FEV ₆ ) less than 0.75. Results: A total of 1,530 participants were subjected for handheld spirometer maneuver. About 487 (31.8%) were cigarette smokers and 1,043 (68.2%) smoked bidis. Airflow limitation was detected in 429 (28.03%). Among the patients with airflow limitation, 271 (17.8%) subjects had chest symptoms, whereas 158 (10.3%) had no symptoms. Conclusion: Prevalence of airflow limitation in men exposed to tobacco smoking in rural areas of Belgaum district is as high as 28.03%, detected by handheld spirometer. However, significant numbers of men were asymptomatic at the time of screening, which provides a window of opportunity for early intervention and prevention of deterioration of airflow limitation in Indian rural men.

Keywords: Airflow limitation, COPD, handheld spirometer, rural men

The Article has been Retracted at the request of the Chief Editor, who noted an administrative error.