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Smoking exposures and mortality risk in individuals with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a UK Biobank cohort study

Qi-Yun Tu, Xin-Yue Zhang, Yu-Xin Zou, Yu-Qing Lv, Li-Feng Yan, Chen-Chen Hou, Li-Na Wang, Wen-Hui Sun et al.

Frontiers in Public Health, 2026

270,644 participants

Abstract

Background Smoking and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposures are established modifiable risk factors for premature mortality, but their joint associations with recorded idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remain uncertain. We examined active and passive smoking exposures in relation to all-cause and cause-specific mortality and evaluated departures from additivity with recorded IPF history. Methods This prospective UK Biobank cohort included 270,644 participants. Exposures comprised baseline smoking status, cumulative pack-years, maternal smoking around birth, adult SHS, and a composite passive SHS indicator. Multivariable Cox models, additive and multiplicative interaction analyses, and restricted cubic spline models were used after adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and genetic covariates. Results During a median follow-up of 13.8 years, 20,959 deaths occurred. Ever-recorded IPF history was associated with all-cause mortality (HR 4.255, 95% CI 3.937–4.597), and active and passive smoking measures were also associated with mortality. In the additive interaction analyses, a positive departure from additivity was observed only between maternal smoking around birth and recorded IPF in relation to respiratory mortality (RERI 16.969, 95% CI 2.935–31.002; AP 0.248, 95% CI 0.082–0.414; SI 1.337, 95% CI 1.068–1.673). Corresponding positive RERI estimates were observed in analyses restricted to White participants, among participants with complete covariate data, and…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 270,644 participants or records.

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