Smoking and pulmonary function in five Solomon Island populations

Abstract

The relationship between smoking and lung function was examined in a large sample of healthy Solomon Island Melanesians and Polynesians as part of a multidisciplinary study carried out in 1985 and 1986. Comparisons are made between samples of smokers and non-smokers to determine if smoking is associated with a reduction in pulmonary function among males and females between 25 and 75 years of age. The results of this study indicate that cigarette smoking causes significant reductions in the pulmonary function of these populations. In addition, a clear difference in pulmonary function between males and females, as well as a general reduction in female FEV1 values, suggests that cooking smoke inhalation may be operating as a possible risk factor to the pulmonary health of women. Further research is needed to quantify exposure to smoke of both males and females and relate this measure to declines in pulmonary function.

Lung Health in the Solomon Islands: A Mixed Methods Study

“…This study is the first in over 35 years to attempt to quantify the burden of obstructive lung disease in the Solomon Islands via the use of spirometric readings. Only one previous study looked specifically at the relationship of smoking and lung function in a Solomon Island population, 14 however did not include post-bronchodilator spirometry, nor quantification of smoking or biomass fuel exposure.…”

“…Our results suggested that 51.5% of individuals included were exposed to regular (>10 hours per week) indoor wood fire for cooking. Byerley et al 14 observed lower FEV1 values in Solomon Island females despite women having a lower prevalence of smoking and suggested that exposure to wood fire ovens may be contributing, however they did not attempt to quantify such exposure. Our results, however, are congruent with the BOLD results which also found no association between airflow obstruction and use of solid fuels for cooking or heating.…”

Women, Energy, and Health: a Perspective From Where the People Are

“…Chronic bronchitis and other forms of COLD in Commonly found in many parts of the world is that women have lower lung functions than men, even though they smoke much less (Byerley et al 1992). …”

Influence of cardiovascular risk burden on pulmonary function trajectory: role of physical and social activities

“…Furthermore, low PF has been linked to decreased general health and quality of life and increased all-cause mortality in older adults [3][4][5]. AGING [6][7][8][9], though with inconsistent results [10,11]. Cardiovascular risk factors are well known to be interrelated, and therefore, a comprehensive indicator makes it possible to evaluate the overall cardiovascular burden.…”