The association between smoking and COVID-19 symptoms, severity, and post-COVID-19 symptoms: a cross-sectional survey study.

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is globally linked to serious health threats. Understanding the risk factors associated with COVID-19 would improve our health status and preparedness for pandemics. Smoking is linked to adverse and long-term health consequences.

METHODS

The central goal is to examine the factors associated with COVID-19 severity, including smoking E-Cigs and conventional cigarettes, using the Cigarette Dependence Index (a validated questionnaire), and considering sociodemographic variables and disease severity. The survey was distributed online from 19 January to 1 March, 2023; of 560 responses, 262 were included. We found that most cases in the fourth infection exhibited a higher percentage of symptom-free individuals and shorter disease duration.

RESULTS

We found that most cases in the fourth infection exhibited a higher per-centage of symptom-free individuals and shorter disease duration. The logistic regression analysis showed that singles were four times more susceptible than married individuals, and males were two times more likely to present coronavirus symptoms than females. The binomial logistic regression studies showed that post-coronavirus symptoms were higher in men and individuals with asthma.

CONCLUSION

This evidence supports promoting innovative solutions to prevent smoking and establishing a sustainable emergency response system based on the COVID-19 experience.