Nicotine dependence, awareness of smoking-related health risks and readiness to quit among smoker patients in Government Medical College, Kannur, India: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Energy drink (ED) consumption has become a growing public health concern, particularly among young adults. Despite regulatory efforts in Saudi Arabia, limited research has explored the prevalence, perceptions, and factors influencing ED consumption in Riyadh. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ED consumption among young adults in Riyadh, examine associated sociodemographic factors, and evaluate awareness of health risks. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sampling method with an online questionnaire distributed via social media. A total of 1,368 valid responses from participants aged 18–30 years were analyzed. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic characteristics, ED consumption patterns, influencing factors, and awareness of health risks. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and chi-square tests assessed associations between sociodemographic characteristics and ED consumption. RESULTS: Among participants, 37% consumed EDs, with the highest prevalence among males (47.63%) and individuals aged 18–22 years (76.09%). Fatigue (38.98%) and academic pressures (33.65%) were the triggers. 80.63% recognized health risks, 61.46% reported insufficient public health education. ED consumption was significantly associated with smoking (p < 0.0001) and higher income levels (p = 0.0464). RECOMMENDATION: This study recommends targeted health education campaigns for high-risk groups, including students (38.9%) and smokers (17.59%), to reduce energy drink consumption. Public awareness should emphasize ingredient label checking (55.5%) and stricter marketing regulations, as energy drinks are frequently consumed at home (30.34%). Promoting healthier alternatives in schools and workplaces can help mitigate health risks and decrease reliance on energy drinks. CONCLUSION: Despite widespread awareness of potential health risks, ED consumption remains high among young adults in Riyadh. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health campaigns, stricter regulations, and improved education efforts to mitigate excessive ED consumption.

There is increasing discourse on the use of cannabis as a palliative for cancer/cancer-treatment-related symptoms. We described the prevalent reasons for use, perceived benefits, and awareness of health risks from cannabis use for cancer management among cancer survivors. Cross-sectional survey of adult (≥ 18years) cancer survivors from 41 US states receiving treatment at a comprehensive cancer center. Of 1,886 cancer survivors included, 17.4% were current users, 30.5% were former users, and 52.2% were never users of cannabis. Among survivors who currently or formerly used cannabis after their cancer diagnosis (n = 510), the reasons for cannabis use in cancer management were; sleep disturbance (60%), pain (51%), stress (44%), nausea (34%), and mood disorder/depression (32%). Also, about a fifth (91/510) of survivors used cannabis to treat their cancer. Across the different symptoms assessed, over half of the survivors who reported a reason for using cannabis currently or after their cancer diagnosis perceived that cannabis was helpful to a great extent in improving their symptoms. However, of the 167 survivors who reported awareness of potential health risks from cannabis use, the awareness of adverse health risks associated with cannabis use was low: suicidal thoughts (5%), intense nausea and vomiting (6%), depression (11%), anxiety (14%), breathing problems (31%), and interaction with cancer drugs (35%). Prevalence of cannabis use among survivors was notable, with most reporting a great degree of symptomatic improvement for the specified reason for use. However, only a few were aware of the health risks of cannabis use during cancer management. With more cancer survivors using cannabis as a palliative in managing their cancer-related symptoms, future guidelines and policies on cannabis use in cancer management should incorporate cannabis-based interventions to minimize the inadvertent harm from cannabis use during cancer treatment among survivors.

Smoking is a risk factor for developing Crohn's disease (CD) and worsens its outcome. Conversely, in ulcerative colitis (UC), the onset may be triggered by the smoking cessation and smoking may be beneficial. To help to ascertain whether patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) would benefit from attending a smoking cessation clinic, we assessed: first, the prevalence of smoking; second, patients' awareness of the effects of smoking, and finally nicotine dependence in IBD patients compared with the healthy and disease-matched controls. A total of 246 consecutive IBD outpatients (173 patients with CD, 73 patients with UC) completed a questionnaire on smoking habits and its effect on IBD. Smokers were assessed for dependence using the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) score and their results were compared with those of age, sex, and ethnicity-matched healthy (five controls for each IBD patient) and asthma controls (one control for each IBD patient) attending a smoking cessation clinic. Thirty five out of 173 patients (20%) with CD and nine out of 73 patients (12%) with UC were current smokers, with 52 out of 173 patients (30%) with CD and 28 out of 73 patients (38%) with UC being ex-smokers. Ninety out of 173 patients (52%) with CD knew that smoking worsens CD, whereas only 15 out of 73 patients (21%) with UC knew of the beneficial effects of smoking on their disease (P=0.032). Knowledge was unrelated to smoking status. In patients with CD, the median (range) FTND score was 3 (0-8) compared with 7 (2-10) in healthy (P<0.001) and 6 (2-9) in asthma controls (P<0.0001). Only seven of the 35 (20%) smoking patients with CD were highly dependent (FTND score ≥6). Similarly, in the patients with UC, the FTND score was 1 (0-4), lower than in healthy, [6 (2-10)], and asthma controls, [7 (4-10); (P<0.004 for both groups)]. Patients with CD were better informed about the effects of smoking on their own disease than the patients with UC. Nicotine dependence in IBD patients is lower than in smokers' clinic clients and comparable with that of the general population. Their low nicotine dependence suggests that most IBD patients could be weaned off the smoking habit successfully in the IBD clinic and referral to a smoking cessation clinic was offered to the highly dependent minority and others expressing interest in attending.

Background and objectivesThe use of cotton swabs for ear cleaning is a widespread practice among parents, often perceived as a convenient and effective method to remove earwax. However, there is increasing concern regarding the health risks associated with cotton swab use, particularly in children. These risks include ear canal damage, infections, earwax blockage, and even eardrum perforation. This study aims to assess the prevalence of cotton swab use among parents in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia, evaluate their awareness of the potential health risks, and explore the factors influencing ear hygiene practices for children.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between July and August 2024, targeting 705 parents residing in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. Participants were selected randomly, with exclusion criteria that included individuals under the age of 18 and more. A validated, reliability-tested online questionnaire in Arabic was used to collect data. The questionnaire consisted of 25 questions designed to gather demographic information and evaluate parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the use of cotton swabs for ear cleaning, as well as their awareness of the associated health risks. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, USA). Categorical data were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05 for all statistical analyses.ResultsA total of 705 parents participated in the study, of whom 66.2% were female. The majority (29.3%) were aged between 36 and 45 years, and 82% were married. Most participants (72%) had university degrees, and 82.4% worked in non-medical professions. A significant majority (96.7%) were Saudi nationals. Regarding cotton swab use, 28.3% of parents reported using cotton swabs to clean the inside of their children’s ears, with many also using them to clean both the inside and outside of the ear. The most common reason for using cotton swabs was earwax removal (30.2%). Most parents (37.9%) had used cotton swabs for over five years, and 60.4% reported using them less than once a day. Despite the widespread use of cotton swabs, 72% of participants acknowledged the associated risks, including earwax buildup, infections, and eardrum perforation. However, only 58.5% had received prior health education about these risks, with otolaryngologists being the primary source of information. Notably, 13% of parents reported complications related to cotton swab use, with ear pain being the most common (61%).ConclusionThis study highlights that, despite moderate awareness of the risks, the use of cotton swabs remains prevalent among parents in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. The findings underscore the need for targeted health education initiatives led by healthcare professionals to promote safer ear hygiene practices. Raising awareness of the risks associated with cotton swabs and advocating for safer alternatives could help reduce reliance on cotton swabs and minimize ear-related complications in children.

BackgroundDue to the climate change, prolonged heatwaves and hot weather during summer are becoming more frequent in Finland and heat-related risks to individual health have become more evident. Yet, in the North heatwaves may still be perceived less of a health risk as the hazards due to winter are more familiar. We explored the extent to the general population is aware of health-related risks among different risk groups.MethodsThis cross-sectional study is part of the HEATCLIM project that is investigating the social determinants of heat vulnerability in the North. Cross-sectional survey data (N = 2108) were collected during 2020 and 2021 from a sample representing population aged 25+. Awareness of heat-related risks was inquired with the question: “How high a risk do you consider heat waves for...” in which various risk groups were detailed. Logistic regression analysis was used to find out variation between socio-demographic groups in their perceptions of heat risk-groups.ResultsOverall, approximately one fifth considered people with memory loss, overweight persons and people with cancer to belong to a very high risk group. Female gender was a strong independent predictor of risk awareness while (higher) age and (higher) education increased perceptions of risks for some groups. Region of residence or economic status were not associated with risk awareness. Respondents themselves did not consider heatwaves to affect their own daily life.ConclusionsGender, age and level of education pattern the awareness of detrimental effects of heat to different risk groups. Our results emphasize that heatwaves are perceived differently according to respondents’ socioeconomic background.Key messages• Awareness of heat-related health risks vary considerably between socio-demographic groups in Finland.• Gender, age and level of education associate with awareness of heat-related risks among adults.

Objectives: To assess and compare the student’s attitude to professionalism among government and private medical colleges. Research question: Are there any differences in Professionalism attitudes of students studying in government and Private medical colleges of Pakistan? Hypothesis: Professionalism attitudes of Medical students studying in government and Private medical colleges do not differ from each other. Method: A government medical college of Sargodha &amp; a Private medical college of Lahore were chosen for the study. Study was conducted from May to June 2019. 200 Final year MBBS students were given a questionnaire named Pakistani LAMPS validated through a pilot study. Non probability purposive sampling technique was used. We applied statistical test chi square used for analysis in SPSS 21 version. Results: Out of the study participants, there were 76(38%) were male &amp;124(62%) female. The Pakistani LAMPS had an acceptable reliability index with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.71. The items mean scores vary between (1.93+ 1.03 and 3.00+ SD 3.78, scale 1–5). The score was high significantly in Private medical college students (107/140) than Public medical college (95/140) with p value of 0.0001. Conclusion: The null hypothesis was rejected because the professionalism score of private medical college students was higher than that of government medical college students. Keywords: Professionalism, Attitudes, LAMPS Government, Private, Medical Education

Background: Electronic waste is considered as one of the most hazardous wastes due to its high harmful contents. The fact that it constitutes a substantial component of municipal wastes and also possesses high economic value because of its reusable and recyclable attributes makes it attractive to the waste scavengers. The characteristic unorthodox method of electronic waste handling by waste scavengers obviously exposes them to a range of hazardous substances which may likely affect their health. However, awareness of the health risks associated with electronic waste picking by the scavengers is imperative for their continued survival in the waste business. This paper, therefore, examined the awareness of electronic waste scavengers of the health risks associated with electronic waste picking with a view to determining the effects of the awareness on their health risks preventive measures. Methods: A cross-sectional study was used to assess the health risk awareness of waste scavengers in the three landfills in Lagos, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire containing information on occupational history, health risks awareness and preventive practices of the scavengers was used to elicit information from 210 waste scavengers randomly selected from the landfills. A five-point Likert Scale was used to establish their awareness while descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (Multinomial Logistic Regression) were used to establish the effects of awareness on their preventive measures. Results: The study revealed low awareness of the health risks associated with electronic waste picking among the waste scavengers. The results of the logistic regression analysis confirmed the hypothesis that awareness of health risks influences the preventive measures by the scavengers. Conclusions: Raising awareness among the scavengers on the health hazards of electronic waste and the need to adopt the use of personal protective equipment as well as prompt seeking of modern healthcare during illness is recommended.

In the United States and around the world, nicotine dependence is a leading cause of preventable death. Smoking cessation results in immediate and enduring health benefits. A wide range of clinical interventions have been shown to facilitate smoking cessation and to have a favorable cost-benefit profile. Practice guidelines and national reports have issued calls to action and have made smoking cessation resources readily available. Yet utilization of smoking cessation interventions and resources is lagging. Health care systems and providers have a shared responsibility to ensure that all smokers are offered appropriate interventions. This article summarizes the epidemiology and pathophysiology of nicotine dependence as a background for reviewing the central components of clinical evidence-based smoking cessation interventions: screening, assessment, advice, assistance, and follow-up. Specific patient populations are discussed, as well as emerging strategies to address nicotine dependence.

BackgroundThe question of whether mentholation of cigarettes enhances tobacco dependence has generated conflicting findings. Potential mediating factors in a putative relationship between menthol use and tobacco dependence may include race and gender. While an association between menthol use and dependence is mixed, research on the role of race solely among women smokers is scarce. This study examined whether women menthol smokers have higher tobacco use and dependence than non-menthol smokers. Further, the study investigated differences between White and African American smokers.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 928 women seeking tobacco dependence treatment in Boston, Massachusetts. Measures obtained included preferred brand and menthol content, dependence markers (cigarettes per day (CPD); time to first cigarette in the morning; number of and longest previous quit attempts) and smoking history (age of initiation; years smoking; menthol or non-menthol cigarette preference). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to detect interactions between menthol preference by race for continuous variables, and Pearson’s chi-squared test was used for analyses with dichotomous variables.ResultsA greater proportion of menthol smokers smoked their first cigarette within five minutes of waking (p < 0.01) and were less likely to have a previous quit attempt longer than 90 days (p < 0.01). ANOVAs revealed no main effects for menthol preferences. However, African American smokers smoked fewer CPD (p<.001), started smoking later in life (p= .04), and had been smoking the same brand for longer (p= .04).ConclusionsWomen menthol smokers showed signs of greater tobacco dependence than non-menthol smokers. African Americans smoked fewer CPD but nevertheless had evidence of greater dependence.

Objective: Smoking has been associated with several oral and systemic diseases. Despite their knowledge of the harms associated with smoking, many patients keep on smoking, which may be related to the nicotine dependence. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess nicotine dependence among smoking patients at the Ibirapuera University Dental Clinic. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 77 adult smoking patients undergoing dental treatment was conducted. A structured questionnaire was applied, where subjects were asked about smoking habits and demographic information. Then the Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence was applied to assess nicotine dependence. Exhaled carbon monoxide levels were measured to validate the cigarette consumption reported by the participants. Results: The subjects reported smoking a mean of 13.7 cigarettes per day. Mean smoking exposure time was 26.7 years. Twenty-six subjects (33.7%) exhaled carbon monoxide levels above 21 ppm and thus were classified as heavy smokers. According to the Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence, 44 subjects (57.2%) were classified as nicotine-dependent, 64 (83.1%) reported interest to stop smoking in the next 6 months, and 80.5% would accept help from a dentist to quit smoking. A significant correlation was observed between the reported amount of cigarettes consumed per day and the number of points obtained in the Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence. Conclusion: The majority of dental patients was considered as nicotine-dependent, but they reported interest on stop smoking and would accept the help from a dentist in order to achieve this goal.

Objective: Evaluating the rate of smoking and factors associated with nicotine addiction in university students will provide targetoriented interventions for students. For this reason, this study aims to measure the frequency of nicotine use and nicotine dependence and related factors among medical students. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, an online questionnaire about nicotine use frequency and dependence was sent to a state university’s medical students via mobile phones. No sample size was calculated, instead, the study aimed to reach a total of 1522 medical students. The Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Test was used to measure nicotine dependence levels. p&lt; .05 was considered as statistically significance level. Results: Of the students, 79.3% (n=306) were non-smokers, 14.7% (n=57) were smokers and 6.0% (n=23) of the students were ex-smokers. Male students, students not living with their families, students with a higher income, and those having at least one smoking parent had statistically significantly higher smoking rates (p&lt; .05). According to the Fagerström Test, of the smoking students, 63.2% (n=36) had low nicotine dependency, 33.3% (n=19) had moderate nicotine dependency, and 3.5% (n=2) showed high nicotine dependency. Conclusion: Smoking rates were high in medical students, despite the medical knowledge related the negative health outcomes. And students had high level of nicotine dependence. Further studies are needed about the strategies on the prevention of smoking among medical students.

Health has been important asset of every country. India is a vast country both in terms of area as well as population and to cater the health needs of this huge population has become difficult if the decentralization of health system has not been opted. The establishment of these five government medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir represents a strategic effort to enhance the overall healthcare infrastructure in the region. By strategically locating these institutions across the state, healthcare services can be efficiently distributed, and the medical needs of the population can be better met. Each of these government medical colleges is expected to play a vital role in training a new generation of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel. The availability of skilled and qualified healthcare practitioners within the region can significantly improve the quality of medical services provided to the public. Moreover, having multiple government medical colleges allows for a broader range of medical specializations and super-specializations, addressing a more extensive spectrum of health conditions. This not only benefits the patients but also facilitates medical research and advancements within the region. Additionally, the presence of these medical colleges can positively impact the local economy by creating job opportunities and attracting healthcare-related industries to invest in the area. The influx of medical students and professionals can also contribute to the growth of the local community. However, despite these positive aspects, there might also be challenges in managing and sustaining the operations of multiple government medical colleges effectively. Issues such as funding, resource allocation, and ensuring quality standards must be carefully addressed to ensure the continued success of these institutions. This study was carried out to know the perception of public regarding the conversion of District Hospital into Medical College at Anantnag.&#x0D; Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among the 1100 patients admitted in various departments of government medical college Anantnag. Data was collected using questionnaire through interview method from 1100 patients in a time period of two years and 8 months.&#x0D; Results: The results of the study revealed that the 1064(96.7%) study subjects reported that the OPD waiting time has reduced after the conversion of District Hospital to GMC, 732(66.5%) study subjects agreed that the no undue investigation was being asked for their diagnosis, 1032 (93.8%) study subjects reported that they had been properly treated during their admission stay in the hospital. All the study subjects: 1100(100%) agreed that the Pre-operative and post-operative care given was better than before. No study subject was strongly dissatisfied with the conversion of District Hospital to GMC. 50(4.5%) study subjects were dissatisfied with the conversion of District Hospital to GMC. 252(22.9%) study subjects were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with the conversion of District Hospital to GMC. 102(9.3%) study subjects were satisfied with the conversion of District Hospital to GMC. 696(63.3%) study subjects were strongly satisfied with the conversion of District Hospital to GMC.

This study aimed to assess vaping prevalence, motivations and risk perceptions among adults attending ENT clinics in the East of England. A survey was conducted with 284 adults (aged ≥18), gathering data on demographics, vaping habits, awareness of health risks and attitudes towards regulation. A total of 24 per cent reported vaping, particularly among those aged 18-25 years and the unemployed (p = 0.027). The main motivation was smoking cessation (49 per cent), followed by stress relief and social factors. Vapers perceived vaping as less harmful, while 60 per cent of non-vapers considered it "very harmful." Awareness of risks was low, especially among younger adults and the unemployed, with 83 per cent lacking sufficient information. Non-vapers (84 per cent) supported stricter regulations. Vaping is currently a poorly defined health risk. There is a need for targeted education on vaping risks and enhanced regulation, particularly within ENT settings. Further research is required to explore vaping's health impacts on ENT health.

Background: Swimming pool attendance exposes users to infection and chemical risks that could be largely reduced with the adoption of healthy behaviors. This study aims to investigate if the knowledge of swimming pool regulations and awareness of health risks can be associated with users’ health-related behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires to collect data from two different target groups of swimming users: 184 adults and 184 children/adolescents. The association between specific variables and patterns of behaviors and knowledge was assessed through multivariate logistic regression models. Results: Although more than 80% of both groups declared they knew the regulations, compliance with healthy behaviors was often unsatisfactory, especially in adolescents and youth. In the children/adolescents group, healthy behaviors significantly increased with the frequency of attendance per week. In both groups, compliance increased with educational level (of parents for children/adolescents), while no positive association was observed between viewing the regulations and adopting appropriate behaviors. In the adult group, a higher knowledge/awareness of health risks was related to decreased odds of at least one unhealthy behavior. Conclusions: Guaranteeing the public display of regulations in swimming facilities is not sufficient to promote and change health-related behaviors. Much more attention should be given to educational interventions aimed to increase knowledge of health risks and the awareness that bathers are directly responsible for their own well-being.

Introduction Tobacco smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are well known to harm oral health, but the dangers of e-cigarettes are still not fully acknowledged, especially in Saudi Arabia where their use is steadily increasing. This study explored awareness of the oral and dental health consequences of tobacco and e-cigarette use among residents of the Al-Madinah region and compared awareness levels across smokers, e-cigarette users, dual users, and non-smokers. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was carried out on 278 participants who are 16 years and over in 2025. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used in the collection of data on demographic characteristics, smoking habits, oral health habits, and awareness of smoking-related oral health risks. Chi-square and Fisher Exact tests were used to analyze the data at a statistical significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Result Of the respondents, 6.8% were traditional smokers, 6.5% were e-cigarette users, 2.2% were dual users and 84.5% were non-smokers. Although more than 80% identified smoking as a cause of oral health problems such as cancer, discoloration, halitosis, and impaired healing, only 17.6% considered e-cigarettes as harmful. The non-smokers and cigarette smokers were more aware than the e-cigarette and dual users who were more likely to underestimate the risks associated with e-cigarettes. Conclusion The results indicate that although the level of awareness on the negative effect of tobacco is high, the misconceptions on e-cigarettes are still present, thus suggesting the need for a public health campaign.