EVALUATION AND EFFECTS OF SMOKING ON SELECTED HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AMONG SMOKERS IN OWO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Smoking has long been recognized as a major risk factor for several health problems, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory diseases and even haematological disorders. Over the years, extensive research has been conducted to understand the effects of smoking on haematology parameters, with the aim of providing evidence-based recommendations for the prevention of smoking-related health problems. Some of this Haematology parameters include red blood cell count, These parameters play a crucial role in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of various blood disorders and are often used as indicators of a person's overall health. A total of 100 participants with the mean age 22.45±2.67years were recruited into this study which comprised of 75 individuals who smokes as subject group and 25 apparently healthy individual who does not smoke as control group. 2-4mls of venous blood was collected from each of the subjects by the aseptic method. The blood collected was dispensed into an EDTA anticoagulant container. Statistical analysis of data was done appropriately and P value less than 0.05 were considered significant. Our study showed that cigarette smoking has adverse effects on haematological parameters such as Red blood cell count, Haemoglobin(HGB), Hematocrit (PCV), White blood cell count, Granulocytes, Lymphocytes, MXD, Mean cell volume (MCV),Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) , Red cell distribution width (coefficient of variation), Red cell distribution width(standard deviation), Platelets and Mean platelet volume(MPV). Conclusively, these alterations might be associated with a greater risk for developing secondary polycythemia, atherosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular diseases. Hb, HTC, leukocyte and lymphocytes were significantly increased with the intensity of smoking. Due to the effect of smoking on blood cell by reducing the plasma volume thereby resulting in dehydration and corresponding increase Red blood cell, Hematocrit and Hemoglobin . Therefore smokers should be encouraged to consume more water in order to stay hydrated.