Comparison of Quality of Life, Self-Rated Quality of Sleep, and Respiratory Disorders among Smokers and Nonsmokers

Introduction: Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased predisposition to disease and disability, resulting in worsening in health condition and quality of life in general.

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the quality of life, self-perception of sleep quality, and respiratory changes, and compare these aspects between smokers and nonsmokers.

Methods: This study has a cross-sectional design with descriptive and comparative analysis. A total of 24 individuals were assessed in each study group, with the nonsmoking group composed of individuals who have never used this substance and were not considered as passive smokers. For evaluation of the data, the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF questionnaire was applied along with other concerning aspects of sleep quality and respiratory changes.

Results and Conclusion: We observed that smokers had significantly worse quality-of-life scores in all domains assessed in relation to the group of nonsmokers. In addition, smokers showed a higher percentage of statement of changes in sleep quality and respiratory disorders, with poorer performance than the control group. It was also found that the altered aspects of sleep are not directly related to poorer performance on the quality of life of smokers, but worse scores on aspects of quality of life in general and satisfaction with health related to the presence of respiratory abnormalities. It is concluded that smoking alters the quality of life and sleep characteristics and causes respiratory diseases, the last point—a feature that directly alters the quality of life.

Keywords: quality of life, sleep, respiration.