ABSTRACT
PIP: A study was undertaken to determine the effect of the development or disease on patients' smoking habits. Interviews with 841 subjects (591 smokers) were conducted following a standard protocol. Of the 841 subjects, 96 (61 smokers) had hydroceles or hernias and were considered a control group; the remainder had neoplastic diseases, respiratory disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, psychiatric illnesses, peripheral vascular diseases, and gastrointestinal and liver disorders. Patients with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neoplastic diseases, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, and cirrhosis of the liver significantly reduced or stopped smoking because of medical advice (19%), socioeconomic factors (8%), or aggravation of disease (24%). The advent of disease was associated with an increase in smoking in several patients (including 2 with bronchial asthma and 12 with peripheral vascular disease) because of the apparent belief that smoking is beneficial in overcoming the disease or in controlling pain. Additional long-term studies are needed to explore the relationship between disease and smoking habits.^ieng
