EXERCISE CAPACITY, LUNG AND RESPIRATORY MUSCLE FUNCTION IN SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Introduction: Substance use disorders (SUDs) have emerged as a critical public health issue, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Objectives: The main objective of the study is to find the exercise capacity, lung and respiratory muscle function in substance use disorders in a tertiary care hospital. Methodology of the study: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pulmonology, Naseer Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from September 2023 to February 2024. A total of 155 patients diagnosed with substance use disorders were recruited for the study. Patients aged 18 years and older, with a confirmed diagnosis of substance use disorder based on the DSM-5 criteria, and who were admitted to the tertiary care hospital during the study period were included in the study. Patients with comorbid conditions that could independently affect respiratory function, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) unrelated to substance use, or those with acute respiratory infections at the time of the study, were excluded. Results: The study included 155 participants with a mean age of 42.5 ± 10.3 years, predominantly male (72%). The majority of participants used tobacco (45%), followed by alcohol (30%), cannabis (15%), and cocaine (10%). Mean forced vital capacity (FVC) was 3.2 ± 0.8 L, with a mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) of 2.3 ± 0.7 L, resulting in a mean FEV1/FVC ratio of 0.72 ± 0.08. Tobacco users exhibited the most significant respiratory impairment, with a lower FVC (3.0 ± 0.7 L), FEV1 (2.1 ± 0.6 L), and FEV1/FVC ratio (0.68 ± 0.07).