Human and school biology assessment

Name of CANDIDATE: SHAVELL PEDDIE

CENTER NUMBER: 100062

CENTER: Lacovia high school

NAME OF SCHOOL: LACOVIA HIGH SCHOOL

NAME OF TEACHER: MISS ELLIOT

TERMS OF EXAMINATION: 2025
 TABLE OF CONTENT

BACKGROUND/ OVERVIEW OF ISSUE

PROBLEM STATEMENT

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

PRESENTATION OF DATA

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

CONCLUSION

REFLECTION
Recommendation
APPENDIX

BIBILIOGRAPHY
BACKGROUND/ OVERVIEW OF ISSUE

In the era of the migration communities, tobacco use gradually gained access and
subsequently migrated along with migrants, establishing in different locations. Probably at
that time people were unaware of the health hazards and were using tobacco in treating
certain ailments. Much has been known and written about tobacco in the content of oral and
general health hazards, but little has been explored and is known to many about where from
and how this plant, which is now used in various forms, where, and spreading widely.
Tobacco contains a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide and it is poisonous gas which is
colourless and odourless and in large doses can cause death. Smoking causes lung disease by
damaging your airways and the small air sacs (alveoli) found in your lungs. It was noted that
the members of the community of Accompong Town had been affected by cigarette smoking .
This prompted the researcher to investigate the problem and make possible
recommendations .

Problem statements
Cigarette smoking has affected the breathing rate of the members of the
Accompong

Town community.

Research objective:

To investigate the effects of cigarette smoking ion the breathing rate of

the members of the community of Accompong Town

METHODOLOGY
The topic of this School base assessment (SBA)was to investigate the
effects of smoking on the breathing rate among members of the
community of Accompong town. Data collection will be facilitated through
the distribution of the structured questionnaire with a total of ten
questions (2024) states that a questionnaire is research instrument that
consists of a set of questions or other types of prompts that aims to
collect information collected from each respondent. Eleven (11) males and
eight (8) females from the community of accompong town between the
ages of 18-40 years of ages were randomly chosen for this research. They
were given a printed questionnaire to be completed in 3 days. A
questionnaire was necessary because it offers a quick way to get results
and easy to analyse. Survey sparrow suggests that limitations for using
questionnaire, is that questionnaires frequently limit response options,
hindering participations from fully expressing nuanced or complex
opinions. Potential for biased responses: respondents may provide biased
data due to socially desirable bias or question wording.
QUESTIONNAIRE ON HOW SMOKING AFFECTS THE BREATHING RATE

1.How to which age group do you belong ?

15-17 18-25 26-35 36-40

2.What is your gender?

Male female other rather not say

3.Do you smoke?

Yes or no

If yes why

4.How long have u been smoking?

1-2yrs 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs

5.Does smoking affects your breathing rate?

Yes or no

If yes how does it?

6.Does smoking affects your everyday life?

Yes or no

If yes how does it?

7.How often do u smoke?

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Rarely

8.How has smoking affected you in the long run?

Decrease in lungs function

Cardiovascular problems (e.g. heart diseases, stroke etc.)

Chronic cough or respiration issues

None of the above

9.Are you living with someone who smokes?

Yes or no

10.what age did u start smoking?

12-15

16-20

21-30

31-40

Smoking has caused a lot of damages to persons life and their body. It has been a common
issue in society. Smoking causes various issues such as: lung cancer, respiration issues,
premature aging. This sba explains it all.

PRESENTATION OF DATA
Figure 1: pie chart showing :
The number of people who smoke Vs the number of none smokers
 Sales

Figure 2: this bar

graph shows how
smoking has
affected the
respondents in the
long run. (Question
8)

Figure 3: the column

graph shows if the
respondent has
contacted any symptom
80% due to smoking, s while
smoking. (Question 6)

ANALYSIS AND
OF OF DATA

1 2 In a survey
conducted within
the accompong town community, it was discovered that 70% of the participants were
smokers, with the remaining 30% stating they do not smoke. The survey delved into the long-
term effects of smoking, revealing that 85% reported had heart disease, 70%experienced
stroke, 25 mentioned blindness, and a 95% lung cancer noted premature aging effects such as
wrinkles and skin damages. The results underscore the prevalence of reduces lung function
among the respondents due to smoking. Prompted by these findings, the researchers sought to
understand why smoking leads to decreased lung function. Subsequently, an online article
from Beebe Health in 2019 was consulted, which explained that smoking gradually
diminishes lung capacity throughout various mechanisms, including the destruction of
airways, resulting in accumulation of mucus that hinders airflow.
Furthermore, respondents were asked about experiencing any symptoms with the breathing
rate while smoking. Of those questioned, 45% reported experiencing symptoms, while 45%
stated they have not had any, 10% were unsure. These findings indicate that most respondents
experienced symptoms that may have affected them otherwise. Results showed that 46%
reported to be experiencing coughing and wheezing, 27% reported shortness of breath, 13%
reported fatigue and 13% reported chest pain. The data suggested coughing and wheezing
were mostly common experienced symptoms among respondents. As highlighted in an online
article from respacare.com, smoking has various adverse effects on the lungs, including
chronic coughing, wheezing, and lung cancer. These effects can result in airways and tissue
inflammation, which may lead to breathing difficulties and persistent coughs. Smoking also
elevates the risk of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, both forms by COPD, Can be caused
by smoking.

Common symptoms of lung cancer include persistent coughing, chest pain, shortness of
breath, fatigue, wheezing, and recurring infections.

When comparing responses, other inquiries were made regarding any perceived changes in
taste and smell after smoking. A significant majority of 30%, reported notable alterations in
their smells and taste post-smoking, while 70% mentioned slight changes, and 13% stating no
difference. Most respondents indicated some changes in taste and smell following smoking.
According to a report by Penn medicine in 2017, it has long been observed that smoking can
impact both smell and taste. A study conducted in 1990 and published. In JAMA revealed that
increased smoking levels correlated with diminished smell, while a 2014 study in the journal
chemosensory perception demonstrated that smoking could dull taste perception. The
researcher was surprised to discover the effects of smoking on taste and smell, prompting
further investigation into the mechanisms behind this phenomenon. Subsequently, research
cited in a national institutes of health article from 2017 indicates that exposure to olfactory
tissue leads to a decrease in the production capacity of sensory cells, resulting sensitivity to
odours and impaired olfactory recognition. Gustatory distribution is attributed to changes in
the form, quantity and vascularization of taste buds caused by tobacco consumption.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the survey conducted in the accompong town community revealed that
smoking has made an significant adverse effect on lung function and overall respiratory
health. The respondents commonly experienced symptoms like coughing and wheezing while
smoking, alongside other significant issues such as fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of
breath. Additionally, smoking has found to impact taste and smell perception, further
highlighting its detrimental effects on sensory functions.

Reflections
Cigarette smoking has a profound and harmful effect on the respiratory system, which
ultimately leads to an increase in the breathing rate. When a person smokes, the chemicals in
the cigarette smoke are inhaled directly into the lungs. This introduces toxins such as carbon
monoxide, tar, and nicotine into the body, which cause inflammation and narrowing of the
airways over time. As a result, the lungs become less efficient at oxygenating the blood,
leading the body to compensate by increasing the breathing rate.

Initially, this increase in breathing rate may seem like a temporary response to the stress
placed on the respiratory system. However, prolonged smoking damages the lungs' ability to
function properly, leading to chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) or emphysema. These conditions make it even harder for the body to take in
oxygen, causing a further increase in the breathing rate as the body struggles to meet its
oxygen demands.

The body’s natural response is to try to supply more oxygen, but as the damage progresses,
this compensation becomes less effective. Over time, smoking reduces the capacity of the
lungs, resulting in reduced overall oxygen intake and leading to increased fatigue and
shortness of breath, which only worsens the situation.

In conclusion, cigarette smoking has a negative and escalating effect on the breathing rate. It
initially forces the body to breathe faster in response to the toxins inhaled, but the long-term
damage to the respiratory system makes it harder for the body to keep up with its oxygen
needs. Quitting smoking is the best course of action to prevent these harmful changes and
improve overall respiratory health.
RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the researchers’ findings, it has been suggested to establish environment free of
smoking and promote the adoption of smoke-free polices in various settings such as public
spaces, business places and residential areas throughout the Braes River community. The
creation of smoking free environments aims to minimize exposure to second-hand smoking,
thus lowering the risk of respiratory illnesses and enhancing overall air quality additionally,
advocating for smoke free polices can foster a cultural shift towards tobacco-free lifestyles,
further bolstering efforts to quit smoking and safeguarding the health of non-smokers.

Furthermore, the researcher recommends promoting alternative coping strategies and

educating individuals about various techniques for managing stress and anxiety without
resorting to smoking. These strategies may encompass promoting physical activities,
mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and a healthy coping mechanism. By equipping
individuals with alternative methods to address stressors and emotional triggers, there is
potential decrease in reliance on smoking, leading to better respiratory health and overall
well-being.

Appendix
How to which age group do you belong ?

15-17 18-25 26-35 36-40

2.What is your gender?

Male female other rather not say

3.Do you smoke?

Yes or no

If yes why

4.How long have u been smoking?

1-2yrs 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs

5.Does smoking affects your breathing rate?

Yes or no

If yes how does it?

6.Does smoking affects your everyday life?

Yes or no

If yes how does it?

7.How often do u smoke?

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

Rarely

8.How has smoking affected you in the long run?

Decrease in lungs function

Cardiovascular problems (e.g. heart diseases, stroke etc.)

Chronic cough or respiration issues

None of the above

9.Are you living with someone who smokes?

Yes or no
10.what age did u start smoking?

12-15

16-20

21-30

31-40

Bibliography
Question pro. (April 11,2018)
Questionnaire: the ultimate guide. Advantages & examples
https://www.questionpro.com/blog/what-is-a-questionnaire/
Survey sparrow. (29 January 2024)
What are questionnaire? Benefits importance and examples.
https://surveysparrow.com/blog/questionnaires/
Beebe healthcare. (21 January 2025).
Smoking & your lungs.
https://www.beebehealthcare.org/health-hub/body/smoking-your-lungs
Respcare. Org. (13 August 2022)
Side effects of smoking on the lungs.
https://www.respacare.net/blog/side-effects-of-smoking-on-the-lungs
Pennmedicine org. (10 April 2017). Tobacco influence on taste and smell: systematic review
of the literature.
https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-blog/2017/april/effects-of-smoking-and-alcohol-
on-smell-and-taste