Nicotine Dependence Levels of Individuals Applying a Family Health Center and Their Status of Being Affected by Warnings on Cigarette Packs

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the status of being affected by the written and visual warnings on cigarette packs and the frequency of smoking in individuals who apply the family health center for any reason. Methods: This study is descriptive. As a result of the sample calculation, 320 people were included in the study. A questionnaire prepared by the researchers upon the literature review and Fagerström test for nicotine dependence were used. In the study, SPSS 22.0 packaged software was used, and the significance was accepted as p<0.05. Results: The average age of the participants was 38.53±14.21. 40.9% of the participants were smokers. 19.8% of the individuals included in the study were found to have high level of nicotine dependence. 35.9% of the participants were expressed to be affected by warnings on cigarette packs. In the study, the participants’ statuses of being affected by visual and written messages on cigarette packs in terms of gender were compared and it was found that the written expressions of “Smoking damages sperms and reduces fertility” and “Smoking during pregnancy harms the baby” were found to be more effective by men. The image showing the couple sitting side by side in bed among the images was found to be effective. Conclusion: In smoking cessation interventions, more importance can be given to young people and those with low education level. In addition, warnings about baby/child and sexuality can be involved more on cigarette packs.