Tobacco Smoking, Occupational Exposures and Socio-Demographic Characteristics Among Male Patients with Lung Cancer at Apeksha Hospital, Sri Lanka: A Cross-Sectional Study

Lung cancer is a major public health concern, and tobacco smoking, second hand smoke, and occupational exposures are important modifiable exposure factors. This study aimed to describe tobacco smoking, second-hand smoke exposure, selected occupational exposures, personal protective equipment use, and socio-demographic characteristics among male patients with lung cancer at Apeksha Hospital, Sri Lanka, and to examine associations between smoking exposure and selected occupational and socio-demographic variables. A descriptive crossectional study was conducted among 120 male patients with primary lung cancer using purposive sampling. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed socio demographic characteristics, active smoking, second hand smoke exposure, working hours, and PPE use. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi square tests with SPSS version 20. The mean age of participants was 57.85 years. Most participants were current or former cigarette smokers. Second-hand smoke exposure was reported at home and at the workplace. More than half of the participants reported at least one selected occupational exposure, with cement related exposure being the most common. A statistically significant association was observed between pack-years of smoking and age at diagnosis, and between educational level and pack-years of smoking. PPE utilization was low among participants with occupational exposures. These findings highlight the need for targeted smoking cessation, reduction of second hand smoke exposure, and strengthened occupational safety practices among high-risk occupational groups.