Introduction:The role of smoking is prominent in the onset, persistence and exacerbation of asthma,particularly in asthmatic workers. The objectives of our study were to assess tobacco dependence among these patients and to study the influence of smoking cessation on their disease control.

Methods:Descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among asthmatic workers consulted the occupational medicine department of the Charles Nicolle Hospital for medical advice on fitness for work over a period of six years (2016 and 2022). The level of smoking dependence was assessed by the Fangeström test. The level of asthma control was studied using the "ACT" Asthma Control Test questionnaire.

Results:A total of 49 asthmatic workers were interviewed. The frequency of smoking was estimated at 37% with an average consumption of 24.89 BP [1-70 BP] and an average duration of consumption of 23.44 years [9-40 years]. In this group, the average age was 52 ±8.44 years.The average  professional seniority was 19.28±11.68 years. The asthmatic workers were blue workers (n=5), senior technicians (n=3) and drivers (n=2). The mean Fangeström score was 4.44 ±2.74. Smoking dependence was high (score ?7) in seven cases. The mean level of asthma control according to the ACT score was 18.17/25 ± 7.04. Asthmatic workers were uncontrolled (ACT<15) in six cases, partially controlled (15?ACT<19) in two cases and well controlled in ten cases (ACT?20). Frequent use of the emergency room was reported by three asthmatic workers with high smoking dependency.

Conclusion: The promotion of smoking cessation should be part of the therapeutic arsenal because of its impact on optimising asthma control.