Background: The association between pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and tobacco smoke has been verified by most studies on the subject; figures from different countries for the prevalence of smoking among PTB patients vary.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of and factors associated with smoking among TB patients in Iran.
Design: In this cross-sectional study, subjects were included on a first-come, first-served basis from among newly diagnosed PTB patients using a multistage cluster sampling method during 2012-2014. Data were collected during face-to-face interviews and a questionnaire was used to gather information on smoking habits.
Results: Of 1127 newly diagnosed PTB patients included in the study (mean age 50.0 ± 19.8 years), 228 (20.2%) were daily smokers, 20 (1.8%) were occasional smokers and 93 (8.9%) had quit before diagnosis. Simultaneous drug use (P < 0.001, OR 75.21), increasing age (P = 0.001), being single (P < 0.001, OR 16.95), being an Iranian national (P < 0.001, OR 6.26) and living in a rural area (P < 0.001, OR 5.85) were found to be independent risk factors for smoking in study patients.
Conclusion: The prevalence of smoking among PTB patients in Iran is relatively high. It is therefore necessary to include smoking cessation interventions in the National TB Programme.