Investigation of the Effects of Nicotine Dependence Levels on Quality of Life and Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nicotine dependence levels on quality of life and depressive symptoms. Material and Method: The study initially comprised 85 individuals who smoked. Twelve subjects were excluded because of missing data and other reasons, so the study was completed with 73 subjects with a mean age of 33.55 ± 11.09 years. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used to assess the levels of nicotine dependence, quality of life and depression symptoms, respectively. The subjects were divided into three groups according to nicotine dependence levels and were classified as mild, moderate and severe nicotine dependence. The resulting data were analyzed with KruskalWallis test. Results: Three groups were created according to nicotine dependence levels and there were 22 subjects in the mild group, 30 in the moderate group and 21 in the severe group. According to mild, moderate and severe nicotine dependence levels, NHP scores were 65.75 ± 50.18, 101.47 ± 73.40, 219.78 ± 161.43, respectively and BDI scores were 7.64 ± 6.20, 9.53 ± 7.82, 16.10 ± 10.46, respectively. A statistically significant difference between the groups was determined. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that when the nicotine dependence level increased, there was a negative effect on quality of life and mood of individuals. In addition to the physical problems due to smoking, smoking cessation programs should be extended to prevent depression and provide a better quality of life, and the level of public awareness should be improved, particularly through mediums such as the media.