Exploring latent classes of complete blood count profiles and their association with smoking status in the Bandar Kong cohort study.

Smoking is a significant modifiable risk factor influencing various health outcomes, including hematologic indices. This study investigates the association between smoking status and latent classes of complete blood count (CBC) profiles in older adults. Data were analyzed from the baseline phase of the Bandar Kong Cohort Study, including adults aged ≥ 35 years. Latent class analysis (LCA) was employed to identify subgroups based on CBC indices. Logistic regression was applied to examine associations between smoking status and class membership, adjusting for potential confounders. Four latent classes were identified: Class 1 (microcytic normochromic anemia; prevalence: 39.3%), Class 2 (beta-thalassemia minor; 13.8%), Class 3 (iron deficiency anemia; 34.4%), and Class 4 (mixed anemia; 12.5%). Current smoking was significantly associated with higher odds of membership in Class 2 (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.05-2.16) and Class 4 (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.08-2.10) compared to Class 1. Former smoking showed no significant associations. Smoking is significantly associated with specific CBC profiles, particularly beta-thalassemia minor and mixed anemia. These findings underscore the importance of considering smoking history in anemia diagnosis and management while highlighting the potential benefits of smoking cessation in mitigating adverse hematologic effects.