Background: In India substance abuse is a common habit prevalent in both urban and rural areas. Cigarette and bidi smoking, tobacco chewing, has extensive effects on respiratory function and is clearly implicated in the etiology of a number of respiratory diseases. Objectives: 1) to study and compare the pulmonary function tests among smokers and non-smokers in a rural area. 2) To study the role of possible associated factors and relation to type, quantity and duration of common substances abused on the pulmonary function tests. Setting: Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni, District Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. Study design: Cross sectional study. Materials & Methods: The pulmonary function tests were assessed on computerized spirometer in 200 male subjects, having habit of substance abuse, in Loni village of Ahmednagar district in Western Maharashtra. Statistical analysis: SPSS Statistical Software version 16.0. Results & Conclusion: Almost all the pulmonary function parameters were significantly reduced in smokers as compared to other substances of abuse liability and obstructive pulmonary impairment was commonest. By spirometry a spectrum of pulmonary disorders may be detected at an early stage and subsequent morbidity can be minimized.

Key words: Substance abuse, Spirometry, Pulmonary functions, Rural area