Survey on nicotine dependence among male outpatients in Weifang community health center

Abstract

Objective To estimate nicotine dependence level and its influencing factors among male outpatients in community health centers. Methods A cross-sectional study on smoking behaviors was conducted among 805 male outpatients in Weifang community health center, Shanghai. Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) and multiple linear regression model were used to analyze the risk factors of nicotine dependence. Results The current smoking prevalence of male outpatients was 44.8%(361/805)and the average FTND score for current smokers was 3.6 (SD: 2.7). The low, moderate and high nicotine dependence rates were 52.1%, 21.0% and 26.9%, respectively. Multiple linear regression model showed that risk factors of nicotine dependence were divorce or bereavement of spouse(β=2.87, t=3.74, P=0.000), junior high school level education(β=0.93, t=2.26, P=0.025), duration of smoking>30 years(β=1.79, t=2.18, P=0.030); while age≥66 years(β=-1.73, t=1.99, P=0.048), strong desire of quitting(β=-0.70, t=2.14, P=0.033)were protective factors of nicotine dependence. Conclusions The rate of moderate and high nicotine dependence among male outpatients in community health center is high. Age, marital status, level of education, duration of smoking and desire of quitting are influencing factors of nicotine dependence. Key words: Tobacco use disorder; Smoking; Community health centers