CORRELATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL VARIABLES WITH NICOTINE DEPENDENCE AMONG CURRENT CIGARETTE SMOKERS IN BANGALORE – AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objectives- The study aimed to determine the magnitude of the influence of psychological variables of Depression, MAnxiety, and Stress on Nicotine Dependence. A cross-sectional study was conducted on Materials and methodssmokers recruited from the O.P.D of KLE Society's Institute of Dental Sciences, Bangalore by convenience sampling. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress were evaluated in these subjects using the DASS-21 questionnaire scale. Nicotine Dependence was assessed using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence. Statistical analysis was performed on SPSS version 26 (p-value <0.05).aterials and methods- A cross-sectional study was conducted on smokers recruited from the O.P.D of KLE Society's Institute of Dental Sciences, Bangalore by convenience sampling. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress were evaluated in these subjects using the DASS-21 questionnaire scale. Nicotine Dependence was assessed using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence. Statistical analysis was performed on SPSS version 26 (p-value <0.05). Pearsons's Correlation test showed a positive correlation between nicotine dependence with a Results: nxiety and stress. Tobacco cessation programs should assess the mental health status of the Smoker prior to Conclusions – commencing cessation therapy as it dictates the level of nicotine dependence of the smoker.