Effect of Screen Time on Physical and Mental Health and Eating Habits During COVID-19 Lockdown in Lebanon

Objective@#This study aimed to explore whether screen time and the screen type impacted various health aspects of children, including physical activity (PA), sleep quality, and eating habits. Additionally, we investigated whether children’s eating behavior while using electronic devices affects their physical and mental health. @*Methods@#We conducted an online survey asking for screen use (duration, type, and purpose), PA, eating habits, sleep problems, and level of depression. The participants were children between the ages of 3 and 7 years, and the survey was answered by the participants’ parents from March 3 to March 20, 2021. @*Results@#A screen time of ≥2 h in children was associated with various clinical characteristics, such as body mass index (BMI), sleep problems, depression, decreased PA, and unusual eating habits. Children’s food eating behavior while using electronic devices was predicted by a total screen time ≥2 h, smartphone screen time ≥2 h, sleep problems, owning electronic devices, and eating unhealthy food. @*Conclusion@#There was an interplay among children’s PAs, eating behaviors, depression, sleep problems, and screen time in this pandemic era. Therefore, guiding children on the correct use of electronic devices and helping them eat healthy are paramount during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Smartphone Screen Time Among University Students in Lebanon and Its Association With Insomnia, Bedtime Procrastination, and Body Mass Index During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective@#We aimed to investigate the association of increased smartphone screen time with insomnia, bedtime procrastination, depression, anxiety, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. @*Methods@#An online survey was performed for university students from all regions of Lebanon during the lockdown. The survey included questionnaires about smartphone screen time, diet, physical activity, psychological symptoms, and bedtime procrastination. We defined 6 hours of smartphone use as critical based on a survey done in United States. @*Results@#Among female students, smartphone use duration, physical activity levels, BMI, depression, anxiety, and insomnia severity were significantly higher than in male. When we stratified participants based on 6 hours of smartphone use, females, unhealthy food consumption, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and bedtime procrastination were significantly higher in the group with ≥6 hours of smartphone use. When we divided based on 7 hours, physical activity and body weight also differed between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that female, overweight, insomnia, and bedtime procrastination were significant predictors of a phone screen time of 7 hours. @*Conclusion@#Our findings suggest that adults should be more cautious and responsible when using smartphones and be more concerned about the health-related risks.

Smartphone Screen Time Among University Students in Lebanon and Its Association With Insomnia, Bedtime Procrastination, and Body Mass Index During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective@#We aimed to investigate the association of increased smartphone screen time with insomnia, bedtime procrastination, depression, anxiety, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. @*Methods@#An online survey was performed for university students from all regions of Lebanon during the lockdown. The survey included questionnaires about smartphone screen time, diet, physical activity, psychological symptoms, and bedtime procrastination. We defined 6 hours of smartphone use as critical based on a survey done in United States. @*Results@#Among female students, smartphone use duration, physical activity levels, BMI, depression, anxiety, and insomnia severity were significantly higher than in male. When we stratified participants based on 6 hours of smartphone use, females, unhealthy food consumption, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and bedtime procrastination were significantly higher in the group with ≥6 hours of smartphone use. When we divided based on 7 hours, physical activity and body weight also differed between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that female, overweight, insomnia, and bedtime procrastination were significant predictors of a phone screen time of 7 hours. @*Conclusion@#Our findings suggest that adults should be more cautious and responsible when using smartphones and be more concerned about the health-related risks.

Adherence to levothyroxine among patients with hypothyroidism in Lebanon

Background: Non-adherence to medication schedules by patients with chronic illnesses can have serious consequences, including poor clinical outcomes, higher hospitalization rates, and increased healthcare costs. Hypothyroidism is a chronic illness with simple treatment, yet non-compliance is common.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate treatment adherence to levothyroxine therapy in Lebanese population by estimating the proportion of adherent hypothyroidism patients and assess factors affecting the adherence to treatment.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey between May and July 2015 included 337 patients. Patients were approached by a community pharmacist during their visit to buy their levothyroxine drug and were asked to fill the questionnaire.

Results: Among these patients, 14.5% showed high adherence, 30.6% medium adherence, and 54.9% low adherence to medication. The mean adherence score was 5.53 ± 1.86 points. The results of a logistic regression showed that age [ORa=1.036], visiting the endocrinologist once every month [ORa=27.77], and the fact that the physician gave the patient information about the disease [ORa=2.898] would significantly increase the adherence to the medication. In addition, having one [ORa=0.365] or two comorbidities [ORa=0.232] in addition to hypothyroidism, postponing/cancelling medical appointments at the last minute [ORa=0.358], the number of waterpipe smoked per week [ORa=0.621] and the number of alcohol glasses drunk per week [ORa=0.631] would significantly decrease the adherence score.

Conclusion: Educational programmes should be implemented, doctor-patient and pharmacist-patient relationship could be improved and new treatment regimens be considered in order to enhance patient adherence

Health and living conditions of Lebanese elderly living in ruralareas distribution by governorates based on the amel study

Objective : To describe the socio-demographic characteristics, the health and living conditions and the nutritional status of rural elderly within the five governorates [Mohafazat] and compare results between genders

Methods : A cross-sectional population based study was carried out which enrolled 1200 community dwelling elderly individuals aged 65 years and above

Results : Among the participants, women were significantly more illiterate and financially dependent in all governorates compared to men. A significantly higher proportion of men was found to have better self-reported health in North [p < 0.001] and South Lebanon [p < 0.001] and Nabatieh [p = 0.009]. Depressive disorders and cognitive decline were significantly more prevalent among women compared to men in four of the five governorates. Poor nutritional status was significantly more prevalent among women in Mount Lebanon, North and South Lebanon [p = 0.031, p = 0.008 and p = 0.021 respectively]. Women were significantly more isolated than men in Nabatieh only and reported a higher feeling of loneliness in South Lebanon and Nabatieh [p = 0.044 and p < 0.001 respectively]

Conclusion : A better care for the elderly, especially women, throughout Lebanon and in certain regions in particular, is definitely warranted. Priority for access to care, sources of funding and health insurance should be secured for all Lebanese older adults

Assessment of vitamin D levels, awareness among Lebanese pharmacy students, and impact of pharmacist counseling

Vitamin D inadequacy, frequently underdiagnosed, affects people of all age groups worldwide. This prospective study aims at determining the percentage of inadequate vitamin D levels among students and evaluating the impact of pharmacist counseling on raising the awareness of the importance of sun exposure and adequate vitamin D intake. A total of 160 university students were recruited. Blood samples were taken to check the vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorous levels. Vitamin D levels 630 ng/mL were defined as inadequate. Scores were given to the questions and aimed at gathering patient knowledge about vitamin D before and after pharmacist counseling. A total of 115 [71.87%] patients had vitamin D levels

Effect of exclusive cigarette smoking and in combination with waterpipe smoking on lipoproteins

Objective: A significant increase in total cholesterol and LDL-C is well shown in tobacco users, as compared to non-tobacco users. The additive effects of waterpipe and cigarette smoking on LDL levels have not been studied. The study's objective was to assess the correlation between cigarette smoking and LDL levels in Lebanese cigarette smokers and to check the interaction effect of waterpipe and cigarette smoking on LDL levels

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2016 and February 2017 in 4 different laboratories, enrolling 308 patients [188 non-smokers, 105 cigarette smokers, 15 previous smokers]

Results: Current cigarette smoking [Beta = 25.57; p < 0.0001] was significantly associated with higher LDL levels and higher total cholesterol levels [Beta = 53.29; p < 0.0001] in exclusive cigarette smokers. Among current cigarette smokers who were current waterpipe smokers, a significant increase in LDL level was observed relative to current cigarette smokers who were not waterpipe smokers [Beta = 66.64 vs Beta = 37.37; p< 0.0001]

Conclusion: Among Lebanese current cigarette smokers, LDL levels increased relative to nonsmokers, consistent with findings in other populations. In addition, among Lebanese current cigarette smokers, current waterpipe smoking might increase adverse lipid profiles associated with adverse coronary effects more than cigarette smoking alone. The direct cause responsible for these observed variations in our study remains unidentified, with the hope that future research will reveal it

Exposure to toxics during pregnancy and childhood and asthma in children: a pilot study

Environmental factors, pesticides, alcohol and smoking are linked to asthma in children. The association of toxic substances exposure with asthma has not been evaluated. Our objective is to assess such associations among children aged less than 16 years old. This is a cross-sectional study, conducted between January and May 2015, using a sample of Lebanese students from private schools in Beirut and Mount Lebanon. Out of 700 distributed questionnaires, 527 [75.2%] were returned to us. Verbal informed consent was also obtained from all parents prior to participating in the study. A significant association was found between waterpipe smoking and diagnosed asthma [p = 0.003; ORa = 13.25; 95% CI 2.472-71.026]. Alcohol during pregnancy, waterpipe smoking during pregnancy and parents respiratory prob-lems significantly increased the risk of respiratory problems by approximately 5 times, 6 times and 2 times respectively [p = 0.016; ORa = 4.889; 95% CI 1.339-17.844, p = 0.021; ORa = 6.083; 95% CI 1.314-28.172, p = 0.004; ORa= 1.748; 95% CI 1.197-2.554 respectively]. Waterpipe smoking, alcohol during pregnancy, recurrent otitis and humidity at home seem to be significantly correlated with asthma in children

Spreading awareness by health care professionals is needed to permit a reduction of the prevalence of these allergic diseases, especially asthma, in children

Extracurricular activities associated with stress and burnout in preclinical medical students

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and its late burden has mainly been attributable to developing countries. Lebanon is one of these countries where epidemiological studies on stroke burden are scarce but necessary. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of stroke survivors among Lebanese inhabitants. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using randomly selected landline phone numbers on all governorates to retrieve data on stroke survivors and their sociodemographic characteristics. Results were then standardized over the Lebanese and the World Health Organization [WHO] world populations. A total of 6963 Lebanese inhabitants were included in the study; among these were 56 stroke survivors. This led to an adjusted stroke prevalence of 0.50% [95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.33-0.66%] and a world-standardized prevalence of 0.60% [95% CI = 0.42-0.78%]. A significantly higher stroke prevalence was found among older age groups and more socioeconomically privileged areas. Overall, the study showed a relatively higher prevalence of stroke in this sample of Lebanese inhabitants when compared to other developing countries. However, larger community-based studies with a clinical assessment of stroke cases are needed to confirm our findings

Antibiotic consumption in non-teaching Lebanese hospitals: a cross-sectional study

The rising threat of antibiotic resistance is linked to patterns of antibiotic use in hospital settings where global efforts are undertaken to encourage reporting and benchmarking antibiotic consumption in an attempt to improve prescription regimens. In Lebanon, where data concerning the level of antibiotic consumption in hospitals is scarce, the aim of our paper is to track the intensity of antibiotic consumption in order to identify potential evidence of antibiotic misuse or abuse. The study is conducted in 2012 for a period of 12-month using data from pharmacy records in 27 non-teaching Lebanese hospitals according to the Anatomical, Therapeutic and chemical classification system and Defined Daily Dose [ATC/DDD] recommended by the World Health Organization and compiling data on ABC Calc software version 3.1. Results show that the average antibiotic consumption excluding pediatric cases is 72.56 Defined Daily Dose per 100 Bed-Days [DDD/100BD]. Total broad spectrum antibiotic consumption is 12.14 DDD/100BD with no significant difference found between public and private hospitals [p > 0.05 for all]. The most commonly used antibiotics were Amoxycillin/Clavulanic acid, Ceftriaxone, Amoxycillin and Cefuroxime for parenteral use. Consumption of beta-lactams, Cephalosporins, Carbapenems, Monobactams and quinolones did not vary significantly by region, occupancy rate, number of beds including the number of intensive care unit beds. Our data findings provides baseline information on patterns of antibiotic consumption in Lebanon and the issue calls for concerted efforts to encourage data reporting on national basis and to correlate future findings with results of antibiotic susceptibility testing which can provide insights and tools needed to assess the public health consequences of antimicrobial misuse and to evaluate the impact of antibiotic resistance containment interventions

Risk factors and quality of life of dyslipidemic patients in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study

The main objective of this study was to identify the risk factors of dyslipidemia and measure its impact on patients' quality of life [QOL]. Secondary objectives were to determine the percentage of dyslipidemia and assess the predictive factors affecting patients' QOL. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of Lebanese population. A standardized questionnaire was developed to assess the QOL using the Short form-36 [SF-36] score. A total of 452 individuals were interviewed, of which 59.5% were females. The mean age was 43.3 +/- 15.6 years, and 24.8% had dyslipidemia. The results show a lower overall QOL score among dyslipidemic patients compared with controls [57.9% and 76.5%, respectively; p < 0.001]. Waterpipe smoking [adjusted odds ratio [OR[a]] = 4.113, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.696-9.971, p = 0.002], hypertension [OR[a] = 3.597, 95% CI: 1.818-7.116, p < 0.001], diabetes [OR[a] = 3.441, 95% CI: 1.587-7.462, p = 0.002], cigarette smoking [OR[a] = 2.966, 95% CI: 1.516-5.804, p = 0.001], and passive smoking [OR[a] = 2.716, 95% CI: 1.376- 5.358, p = 0.004] were significantly associated with dyslipidemia in individuals older than 30 years. A higher overall QOL score [p = 0.013] was observed in patients treated with statins in comparison with other lipid-lowering medications. In addition to clinical and economical consequences, dyslipidemia may have a significant impact on patients' QOL. Further research is needed to confirm the impact of treatment on dyslipidemic patients' QOL in order to maximize the overall benefits of therapy

Management of metastatic colorectal cancer current treatments and new therapies

Colorectal cancer represents 8% of metastatic cancers. For decades, the gold standard therapy has been infusional chemotherapy with 5-Fluorouracil [5-FU] associated to folinic acid. The discovery of irinotecan, oxaliplatin and oral forms of 5-FU in the nineties is considered a milestone in the treatment of this disease. Since 2004, targeted therapy with monoclonal antibodies including anti-EGFR and angiogenesis inhibitors showed superiority in terms of mortality compared to conventional therapy. Metastatic colorectal cancer, however, remains an incurable disease. We present the current treatments of metastatic colorectal cancer, the clinical development of these emerging treatments, and their position in the Lebanese health care system

Antibiotic dispensation by Lebanese pharmacists: a comparison of higher and lower socio-economic levels

Indiscriminate use of antibiotics contributes to a global spread of antimicrobial resistance. Previous studies showed an excessive consumption of antibiotics purchased without medical prescription from community pharmacies, mainly in developing countries. There is a shortage of studies revealing the role of community pharmacists in the overuse of antibiotics. Our objective is to study the dispensing policy of non-medical prescription antibiotics in community pharmacies, assessing the possible influence of the socio-economic level of the area over this practice. A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2011 among 100 pharmacists working in Beirut's pharmacies and its suburbs. Pharmacies were divided into 2 groups according to the socio-economic level of the population living in the pharmacy area. A self-administered questionnaire was filled by pharmacists. Over-the-counter antibiotic availability existed in both higher and lower socio-economic areas: on the whole, 32% of antibiotics were dispensed without medical prescription, with higher frequency in lower socio-economic areas [p = 0.003]. Dispensing injectable antibiotics without medical prescription was significantly higher in lower socio-economic areas [p = 0.021], as well as dispensing an association of 2 antibiotics without medical prescription [p = 0.001]. Pharmacists working in lower socio-economic areas recommended more frequent antibiotics to children and the elderly [p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively]. Dispensing antibiotics without medical prescription in Beirut community pharmacies is a common practice, particularly in lower socioeconomic areas. This public health problem should be addressed at the social, educational, and legislative levels

Hypertension in the Lebanese adults: impact on health related quality of life

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, hypertension being one of their most prevalent risk factors. Information on health related quality of life [QOL] of hypertensive individuals in Lebanon is lacking. Our objectives were to evaluate QOL of hypertensive patients compared with nonhypertensive subjects and to suggest possible predictors of QOL in Lebanon. We conducted a case control study among individuals visiting outpatient clinics. Quality of life was assessed using the eight item [SF-8] questionnaire administered face to face to the study population, applied to hypertensive [N = 224] and non-hypertensive control [N = 448] groups. Hypertensive patients presented lower QOL scores in all domains, particularly in case of high administration frequency and occurrence of drug related side effects. Among hypertensive patients, QOL was significantly decreased with the presence of comorbidities [beta =-13.865, p = 0.054], daily frequency of antihypertensive medications [beta =-8.196, p < 0.001], presence of drug side-effects [beta =-19.262, p = 0.031], older age [beta =-0.548, p < 0.001], female gender [beta =-21.363, p = 0.05], lower education [beta =-22.949, p = 0.006], and cigarettes smoked daily [beta =-0.726, p < 0.001]; regular sport activity [beta = 23.15, p < 0.001] significantly increased quality of life. These findings indicate the necessity for health professionals to take these factors into account when treating hypertensive patients, and to tackle special subgroups with attention to their deteriorated QOL

Evaluation of hip fracture risk factors in older adults in the Lebanese population

Hip fractures are serious fall injuries that often result in long-term functional impairment and increased mortality. As the population ages, the number of hip fractures is likely to increase worldwide. The main objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the risk factors of hip fracture among the older adults in the Lebanese population. This pilot epidemiological, prospective, and case-control study was performed in 6 hospitals in Great Beirut and South Lebanon. Subjects who met the inclusion criteria filled out a questionnaire consisting on the socio- demographic characteristics, health status, drugs intake and cigarette smoking. Overall, 195 subjects were recruited, with 65 cases of hip fracture and 130 controls all aged over 50 yr. Females represented around two third of the studied population. The logistic regression, using adjusted odds ratio [OR[a]], showed a significant relationship between hip fracture and chronic diseases [OR[a]=3.02; 95% CI: 1.63, 6.66], antihypertensive drugs intake [OR[a]=2.72; 95% CI: 1.56, 6.42], fall [OR[a]=2.79; 95% CI: 1.82, 7.06] previous fracture [OR[a]=3.80; 95% CI: 1.57, 9.23] and family history of fracture [OR[a]=4.82; 95% CI: [2.29, 10.86]. Besides, smoking increased the risk of hip fracture [OR[a]=2.55; 95% CI: [1.96, 5.80]. Having a bow was associated with the highest risk for hip fracture [OR[a]=5.18; 95% CI: 2.30, 12.24]. Elderly people in Lebanon are exposed to many risk factors contributing to hip fracture. Our finding has implication in geriatric health improvement by preventing hip fracture in the Lebanese population

Prevalence of malnutrition and its correlates in older adults living in long stay institutions situated in Beirut, Lebanon

Malnutrition represents an important issue in older adults; unfortunately, there is lack of data concerning this topic in Lebanon. This paper aims to provide a description of nutri-tional status and its correlates in older adults living in long stay institutions situated in Beirut. This cross-sectional study was conducted in three long stay institutions in Beirut in 2012. The study population was composed of people aged 65 years and above, having a score of Folstein Mini Mental State Examination [MMSE] greater than 14 and without renal failure requiring dialysis. Subjects meeting inclusion criteria filled out a questionnaire consisting of nutri-tional status scale [Mini Nutritional Assessment: MNA] and several other parts [demographic, self-assessment of the state health, smoking and alcohol, physical dependence, quality of life, frailty, depression, social isolation and loneliness]. Data were entered and analyzed using the statistical software SPSS [Statistical Package for Social Sciences], version 17.0 [Chicago, IL, USA]. Among 111 older adults [55 men and 56 women], 14 [12.6%] were malnourished, 54 [48.7%] were at risk of malnutrition and 43 [38.7%] had an adequate nutritional status. Multivari-ate analysis showed that physical exercise, depression, frailty and cognitive function were inde-pendent correlates of nutritional status of older adults. This model explained 42.2% [adjusted R2=0.422] of the older adults nutritional status variability. We found a moderate percentage of malnutrition in older adults living in long stay institutions situated in Beirut, and the correlates of malnutrition in older adults were low physical exercise, depression, frailty and low cognitive function.

Hyperreactive airway disease in adults Data from a national study in Lebanon

Background: Asthma and hyperreactive airway [HRA] disease are a major cause of health resource utilization and poor quality of life worldwide; its prevalence in adults may widely vary according to the definition used. It is mainly a childhood disease, but its natural history till adulthood is not well known. This is due to other confounding factors such as smoking and environmental factors that may lead to misdiagnose asthma as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Correct and timely diagnosis of asthma and HRA is important because it can be treated successfully and affected individuals may achieve good control of their disease

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of asthma and HRA in Lebanese adults, their symptoms and predictors

Methods: A cross-sectional study using a multi- stage cluster sample was carried out in Lebanon, between October 2009 and September 2010. Lebanese residents aged 40 and above participated to the study; a post-bronchodilator spirometry was performed to con- firm diagnosis

Results: Out of 2201 individuals, 218 [9.9%] were considered to have HRA. The following factors were found associated with HRA in the Lebanese population: Northern [ORa: 3.54] and Bekaa Plain [ORa: 2.44]] ver- sus other regions; occupational exposure to toxic gases and fumes [ORa: 2.08]; heating home with wood [ORa:1.75]; having a family history of chronic respiratory dis- ease [ORa: 2.19], a history of childhood lung problem [ORa: 5.53], and father smoking during childhood [ORa:1.47]. Added to these factors, HRA was also predicted by female gender [ORa: 1.81]; lower education [ORa: 1.20]; older age [ORa: 1.28] and low birth weight [ORa: 3.14]

Conclusion: This is the first epidemiological study in Lebanon that determined physician diagnosed asthma prevalence and hyperreactive airway disease and their associated factors among Lebanese adults. It also provides useful contributions that local health organizations may use for national programming and a foundation for health researchers to pursue further study in asthma research. Public awareness about the increased risk of asthma associated with heating homes with wood and exposure to passive smoking should be raised; Lebanese policy makers should also generate higher efforts to implement and reinforce the smoking ban law in public places

Autism in children and correlates in Lebanon: a pilot case-control study

Autism spectrum disorder [ASD] is a neurological disorder typically appearing before the age of three. The exact cause of autism remains uncertain, and several factors may be involved in its onset: genetic factors and possible environmental factors. The aim of this study was to assess the correlates of autism in the Lebanese population. We investigated the association of autism with several factors in 86 autism cases from specialized schools for children with developmental disabilities and 172 control children from regular public schools in the same regions. Several risk factors for autism were investigated after comparison with a cohort control on parental age, sex, maternal unhappy feeling during pregnancy, consanguineous marriage, and province of residence. The Chi-square test was used to compare nominal variables, and Fisher exact test was used in case expected values within cells were inferior to five. For quantitative variables, we used t-test to compare means between two groups, after checking their distribution normality. For multivariate analysis, we used a forward stepwise likelihood ratio logistic regression. We observed male predominance [79.1%] among autistic infants. There was a significant association between autism and older parents age [OR=1.27], male sex [OR=3.38], unhappy maternal feeling during pregnancy [OR=5.77], living close to industry [OR=6.58], previous childhood infection [OR=8.85], but none concerning maternal age, paternal age and consanguinity. In this pilot epidemiological study of autism in Lebanon, we found several prenatal and perinatal risk factors for autism that could be modified

Lung cancer correlates in Lebanese adults: a pilot case-control study

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancers. However, there are no epidemiological studies concerning lung cancer and its risk factors in Lebanon. This study was carried out to determine the association between lung cancer and its most common risk factors in a sample of the Lebanese population. A hospital-based case - control study was conducted. Patients were recruited in a tertiary health care center. A questionnaire in Arabic was designed to assess the possible risk factors for lung cancer. For females, cigarette smoking [ORa = 9.76] and using fuel for heating [ORa = 9.12] were found to be the main risk factors for lung cancer; for males, cigarette smoking [ORa = 156.98], living near an electricity generator [ORa = 13.26], consuming low quantities of fruits and vegetables [ORa = 10.54] and a family history of cancer [ORa = 8.75] were associated with lung cancer. Waterpipe smoking was significantly correlated with lung cancer in the bivariate analysis. In this pilot study, it was found that in addition to smoking, outdoor and indoor pollution factors were potential risk factors of lung cancer. Additional studies would be necessary to confirm these findings

Cigarette smokers' profile in Lebanese adults

The objective of this study was to describe cigarette smoking prevalence among adults in Lebanon and to evaluate the profile of light cigarette smokers compared to never and heavy smokers. Data were taken from a cross-sectional study carried out from October 2009 to Septem-ber 2010, using a multistage cluster sampling all over Lebanon. Lebanese residents aged 40 years and above were enrolled in the study with no exclusion criteria. After an oral informed consent, subjects answered a questionnaire, including detailed smoking history and cigarette dependence. SPSS version 17.0 was used for data analysis. Out of 2201 individuals, 1320 [60.0%] had ever smoked cigarettes, out of whom 10.1% were light cigarette smokers. The adjusted odds ratio estimate of cigarette smoking was 3.08 for males compared to females [P<0.001], 1.13 for lower education [P=0.016], 1.87 and 3.12 for re-tired and jobless compared to working [P=0.001 and P<0.001] respectively, 1.17 for older age [P<0.001], 1.68 for presence versus absence of a family history of chronic respiratory disease [P<0.001], and 5.27 and 1.99 for presence compared to absence of at least one smoker at home [P<0.001] and at work [P < 0.001] respectively. This is the first epidemiological study in Lebanon that determined cigarette smoking prevalence at the national level. In Lebanon, males of the older generation seem to have higher smoking prevalence and dosing.