Fagerström Test For Nicotine Dependence Score Research Articles

Polygenic risk scores for nicotine use and family history of smoking are associated with smoking behaviour

IntroductionFormal genetics studies show that smoking is influenced by genetic factors; exploring this on the molecular level can offer deeper insight into the etiology of smoking behaviours. MethodsSummary statistics from the latest wave of the GWAS and Sequencing Consortium of Alcohol and Nicotine (GSCAN) were used to calculate polygenic risk scores (PRS) in a sample of ~2200 individuals who smoke/individuals who never smoked. The associations of smoking status with PRS for Smoking Initiation (i.e., Lifetime Smoking; SI-PRS), and Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) score with PRS for Cigarettes per Day (CpD-PRS) were examined, as were distinct/additive effects of parental smoking on smoking status. ResultsSI-PRS explained 10.56% of variance (Nagelkerke-R2) in smoking status (p=6.45x10−30). In individuals who smoke, CpD-PRS was associated with FTND score (R2=5.03%, p=1.88x10–12). Parental smoking alone explained R2=3.06% (p=2.43×10−12) of smoking status, and 0.96% when added to the most informative SI-PRS model (total R²=11.52%). ConclusionThese results show the potential utility of molecular genetic data for research investigating smoking prevention. The fact that PRS explains more variance than family history highlights progress from formal to molecular genetics; the partial overlap and increased predictive value when using both suggests the importance of combining these approaches.

Associations between Nicotine Dependence, Smartphone Usage Patterns, and Expected Compliance with a Smoking Cessation Application among Smokers.

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease. However, smokers have shown poor compliance with smoking cessation clinics. Smartphone applications present a promising opportunity to improve this compliance. This study aimed to explore the relationship between nicotine dependence, smartphone usage patterns, and anticipated compliance with a smoking cessation application among smokers, with the goal of informing future development of such applications. A total of 53 current smokers were surveyed using a questionnaire. Nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Variables included the number of hours spent using a phone, willingness to quit smoking, number of previous quit attempts, desired number of text messages about smoking cessation, expected duration of application usage, and FTND scores. Kendall's partial correlation, adjusted for age, was employed for the analysis. The amount of time smokers spent on their mobile devices was negatively correlated with the number of smoking cessation text messages they wanted to receive (τ coefficient = -0.210, p = 0.026) and the duration they intended to use the cessation application (τ coefficient = -0.260, p = 0.006). Conversely, the number of desired text messages was positively correlated with the intended duration of application usage (τ coefficient = 0.366, p = 0.00012). Smokers who spent more time on their mobile devices tended to prefer using the cessation application for shorter periods, whereas those who desired more text messages about smoking cessation were more inclined to use the application for longer durations.

Effects of acupuncture and nicotine patch on smoking: a multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

To evaluate the effects of acupuncture and/or nicotine patches on smoking cessation. Eighty-eight participants were randomly allocated into four groups: acupuncture combined with nicotine patch (ACNP), acupuncture combined with sham nicotine patch (ACSNP), sham acupuncture combined with nicotine patch (SACNP), and sham acupuncture combined with sham nicotine patch (SACSNP). The primary outcome was self-reported smoking abstinence verified with expiratory Carbon Monoxide (CO) after 8 weeks of treatment. The modified Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) score, Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale (MNWS), and the Brief Questionnaire of Smoking Urge (QSU-Brief) score were used as secondary indicators. SPSS 26.0 and Prism 9 software were used for statistical analyses. Seventy-eight participants completed the study. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics at baseline across the four groups. At the end of treatment, there was a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 8.492, p = 0.037) in abstaining rates among the four groups. However, there were no significant differences in the reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked daily (p = 0.111), expiratory CO (p = 0.071), FTND score (p = 0.313), and MNWS score (p = 0.088) among the four groups. There was a statistically significant difference in QUS-Brief score changes among the four groups (p = 0.005). There was no statistically significant interaction between acupuncture and nicotine patch. Acupuncture combined with nicotine replacement patch therapy was more effective for smoking cessation than acupuncture alone or nicotine replacement patch alone. No adverse reactions were found in the acupuncture treatment process. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=61969, identifier ChiCTR2100042912.

Duration of smoking cessation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Background and objectivesSmoking can worsen inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), although evidence regarding the duration of cessation is scarce. The objectives of the study were to determine the duration of abstinence and identify the characteristics of relapse in IBD patients. Patients and methodsUsing the local database of a nationwide registry of patients with IBD, we identified patients who were active smokers at the time of IBD diagnosis and invited them to participate in the study. Patients were asked about their smoking habit and those who were ex-smokers constituted the study cohort. We obtained clinical and smoking-related data of ex-smokers from medical records and telephone interviews. We measured nicotine dependence using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). ResultsWe enrolled 121 IBD patients who were ex-smokers: 89 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 33 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). The median age at cessation was lower in patients with CD (38 years) than in patients with UC (46 years) (p=0.002). Follow-up time was shorter in CD patients than in UC patients (114 vs. 168 months, p=0.035). No difference was found in the FTND score. Relapse was more common in CD patients (46%) than in UC patients (24%) (p=0.029), although time to first relapse was similar in both groups of patients (12 and 15 months, respectively; p=0.056). Nicotine dependence was the only independent factor associated with relapse. ConclusionsThe risk of smoking relapse was high, especially in CD patients, although their dependence level was similar to that of UC patients.

Moral injury among women military veterans and demand for cigarettes: A behavioral economic investigation using a hypothetical purchase task

ObjectivesUnlike the United States general population, veteran women – as opposed to veteran men – have greater smoking prevalence; yet, little is known regarding factors that influence smoking in veteran women. The purpose of this study was to begin examining the relationship between a psychological concept known as moral injury and demand for cigarettes among veteran women. MethodsVeteran women who smoke (n = 44) were recruited for this cross-sectional study from Amazon MTurk, Reddit, and a veteran-serving non-profit organization in June–July 2023. Consenting participants received $2 for completing the cigarette purchase task (CPT), Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and the military version of the Moral Injury Symptom Scale (MISS-M-SF). We examined five CPT demand indices and calculated a modified exponential demand model stratified by moral injury severity status (i.e., probable vs. unlikely). ResultsProbable morally injured women exhibited significantly higher relative reinforcing value (RRV) for smoking than unlikely morally injured women (F1, 920 = 9.16, p = 0.003). Average cigarette consumption at $0 (i.e., Q0) was 48.56% higher (M = 22.24 vs. M = 13.55) in probable compared to unlikely morally injured women (p = 0.04, Hedge's g = 0.74). FTND scores were significantly correlated with Pmax (i.e., demand elasticity point) and Omax (i.e., maximum expenditure) values in both populations (rs = 0.42–0.68, ps < 0.05). ConclusionsWe provide preliminary evidence of the relatively high RRV of smoking in morally injured veteran women. Continued research is needed to refine the characterization of this relationship.

The effects of smoking cessation on the ratios of neutrophil/lymphocyte, platelet/lymphocyte, mean platelet volume/lymphocyte and monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

The amount of smoking, level of smoking addiction and smoking cessation have effects on blood cells, blood lipid levels, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume (MPV)/lymphocyte ratio (MPVLR) and monocyte/high- density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (MHR). Methods In this self-controlled experimental study, we included individuals who applied to a smoking cessation clinic and quit smoking. Their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the amount of cigarettes consumed (pack/year), their Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) results, haemogram values before and 6 months after quitting smoking, NLR, PLR, MPVLR, MHR and blood lipid levels before and after the treatment were compared retrospectively. Results The mean (SD) age of the 239 individuals who participated in the study was 41.7 (10.9) years and 55.2% of them were women. Their mean FTND score was 7.06 (2.0), and most of them (47.7%) had a very high level of addiction. After the smoking cessation treatment, their neutrophil, platelet, MPV, red cell distribution width, platelet distribution width (PDW), cholesterol, triglyceride, low- density lipoprotein, NLR, PLR, MPVLR, MHR and HDL values increased (p<0.05). The amount of smoking and level of dependence were negatively correlated with HDL, and positively correlated with other parameters. Conclusion After smoking cessation, in addition to dyslipidaemia, the NLR, PLR, MPVLR and MHR values also decreased, and the difference was found to correlate with the level of addiction and the amount of smoking.

Factors associated with substance use among preclinical medical students in Turkey: a cross-sectional study.

Medical students experience high levels of stress due to their rigorous training, which can negatively affect their mental health. This study aimed to investigate substance use habits of medical students at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa and the association on their mental health and demographic factors. This cross-sectional survey study was conducted in March-April 2022 among preclinical medical students (years 1-3 of a 6-year program). A confidential, anonymous online survey consisting of four sections on sociodemographic and educational characteristics, nicotine use and dependence [Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND)], alcohol use [Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)], mental health status [12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12)], was distributed to 1131 students via WhatsApp and Telegram text messages. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests compared variables' distribution in the questionnaire categories. Spearman's correlation assessed associations between scales. Significance was p < 0.05. The study included 190 medical students. A total of 26.3% of the participants were smokers, with 8.4% showing moderate to high levels of nicotine dependence. An estimated 45.8% and 8.4%reported low-risk consumption and risky usage of alcohol, respectively. There were statistically significant associations between substance use and demographic factors such as sex, GPA, and religious belief. The study found a statistically significant correlation between FTND scores and GHQ-12 scores, and, between FTND scores and AUDIT scores. The findings of this study will inform the development of interventions to improve the mental health and academic performance of medical students at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa. Furthermore, it will raise awareness about the importance of addressing substance use among medical students in Turkey.

Impact of smoking initiation age on nicotine dependency and cardiovascular risk factors: a retrospective cohort study in Japan.

Initiating smoking in early adolescence results in challenges with smoking cessation and is associated with high risk of cardiovascular disease. Recently, the initiation of smoking has transitioned from adolescence to young adulthood. However, there are few reports on the impact of initiating smoking at a later age. This study investigated the impact of the age of smoking initiation on nicotine dependency, smoking cessation rates, and cardiovascular risk factors, using a cut-off point of 20 years, within the Japanese population. This retrospective cohort study encompassed 1382 smokers who sought smoking cessation treatment at Kyoto Medical Centre Hospital between 2007 and 2019. Clinical indicators were evaluated by adjusting for age at the time of hospital visit and sex. The smoking cessation rate was further adjusted for treatment medication. The group with a smoking initiation age of <20 years reported a higher number of cigarettes/day (P = 0.002), higher respiratory carbon monoxide levels (P < 0.001), a higher Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) score (P < 0.001), and a higher Self-rating Depression Scale score (P = 0.014). They also reported lower diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.020) and a lower successful smoking cessation rate [odds ratio: 0.736, 95% confidence interval (0.569, 0.951)] than the group with a smoking initiation age of ≥20 years. When smokers were divided into four groups based on the age they started smoking, the FTND score for those who started at 20-21 years was significantly higher than the score for those who started at 22 years or older. In young adulthood, initiating smoking later (beyond 20 years old) was associated with lower nicotine dependency and fewer depressive tendencies, as well as a higher success rate in smoking cessation among Japanese smokers. The results might suggest that raising the legal smoking initiation age from 20 to 22 years old or older could be effective in reducing nicotine dependency in smokers.

Duration of smoking cessation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Background and objectivesSmoking can worsen inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), although evidence regarding the duration of cessation is scarce. The objectives of the study were to determine the duration of abstinence and identify the characteristics of relapse in IBD patients. Patients and methodsUsing the local database of a nationwide registry of patients with IBD, we identified patients who were active smokers at the time of IBD diagnosis and invited them to participate in the study. Patients were asked about their smoking habit and those who were ex-smokers constituted the study cohort. We obtained clinical and smoking-related data of ex-smokers from medical records and telephone interviews. We measured nicotine dependence using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). ResultsWe enrolled 121 IBD patients who were ex-smokers: 89 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 33 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). The median age at cessation was lower in patients with CD (38 years) than in patients with UC (46 years) (p=0.002). Follow-up time was shorter in CD patients than in UC patients (114 vs. 168 months, p=0.035). No difference was found in the FTND score. Relapse was more common in CD patients (46%) than in UC patients (24%) (p=0.029), although time to first relapse was similar in both groups of patients (12 and 15 months, respectively; p=0.056). Nicotine dependence was the only independent factor associated with relapse. ConclusionsThe risk of smoking relapse was high, especially in CD patients, although their dependence level was similar to that of UC patients.

Ameliorating Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) on Nicotine Dependence and Quality of Life in Smokers.

Safer and effective alternatives to manage nicotine dependence are still required. Preliminary studies have shown the potential of virgin coconut oil (VCO) to be used in dependence treatment. to assess the VCO effect administered for 14 days on nicotine dependence and quality of life. Forty smoking subjects participated in an open-label, single-center, pre/post-intervention study, and were required to take 15 ml VCO twice daily for 14 days. They were evaluated with the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) for nicotine dependence intensity and EuroQol-visual analogue scales (EQ VAS) for quality of life. The VCO regimen improved FTND (0.53 points decrease, p<0.05) and EQ-VAS (5.85 points increase p<0.01) scores. Adverse events were all mild. Results of the present study suggest that VCO has the potential to be a safe and effective adjunct therapy for the management of nicotine dependence.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Self-Reported Health Status and Smoking and Drinking Habits in the General Urban Population.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic created a significant crisis in global health. The aim of the study was to compare the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-rated health status and smoking and alcohol habits. The Bialystok PLUS cohort study was conducted in 2018-2022. A total of 1222 randomly selected city residents were examined and divided into two groups: before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants' lifestyle habits and medical history were collected from self-reported questionnaires. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) were used to assess the degree of alcohol and nicotine dependence. The survey revealed a reduced frequency of reported allergies vs. an increased frequency of reported sinusitis and asthma; increased incidence of declared hypercholesterolemia and visual impairment; a reduced number of cigarettes smoked per day, lower FTND score, and a greater desire to quit smoking in the next six months; and an increase in hs-CRP and FeNO levels in the population during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic population. The COVID-19 pandemic had a measurable impact on the general population's prevalence of certain medical conditions and lifestyle habits. Further research should continue to examine the long-term health implications of the pandemic.

Connectome-based predictive modeling of smoking severity using individualized structural covariance network in smokers.

Abnormal interactions among distributed brain systems are implicated in the mechanisms of nicotine addiction. However, the relationship between the structural covariance network, a measure of brain connectivity, and smoking severity remains unclear. To fill this gap, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between structural covariance network and smoking severity in smokers. A total of 101 male smokers and 51 male non-smokers were recruited, and they underwent a T1-weighted anatomical image scan. First, an individualized structural covariance network was derived via a jackknife-bias estimation procedure for each participant. Then, a data-driven machine learning method called connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) was conducted to infer smoking severity measured with Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) scores using an individualized structural covariance network. The performance of CPM was evaluated using the leave-one-out cross-validation and a permutation testing. As a result, CPM identified the smoking severity-related structural covariance network, as indicated by a significant correlation between predicted and actual FTND scores (r = 0.23, permutation p = 0.020). Identified networks comprised of edges mainly located between the subcortical-cerebellum network and networks including the frontoparietal default model and motor and visual networks. These results identified smoking severity-related structural covariance networks and provided a new insight into the neural underpinnings of smoking severity.

Assessment of physiological and psychological dependence of tobacco use among patients visiting the tobacco cessation center in the tertiary institute of Shimla–Himachal Pradesh

ABSTRACT Background: The study aimed to assess the physiological and psychological dependence of tobacco use among patients visiting the Tobacco Cessation Center in the tertiary institution. Methods: A cross-sectional study design with simple random sampling was used. The information obtained from the subject was through interview recorded on a structured pro forma. The information included demographic details, dependence status based on smoking history and behavior, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) for physiological dependence, and the Kano Test for Social Nicotine Dependence (KTSND) for psychological dependence. Tobacco use for both the smoked tobacco (ST) and smokeless tobacco (SLT) was recorded as the number of packs per day. Results: The mean pack year score was 122.6 ± 143.8. Similarly, the mean FTND score was 6.8 ± 2.4 and the mean KTSND score was 14.3 ± 4.1. The study subjects in various behavioral stages were precontemplation (26.1%), contemplation (21.1%), preparation (31.4%), action (20%), and maintenance (1.4%), respectively. Simple linear regression shows that the mean pack year, FTND, and KTSND scores were weakly explained for various stages of behavioral changes. Conclusion: Pack year is related to dose-response relationship which indicates both intensity and duration for developing tobacco-related diseases. The mean FTND score for physiological nicotine dependence for various variables clearly indicates price inelasticity for tobacco use. The mean KTSND score for psychological nicotine dependence for various variables clearly indicates some price elasticity for tobacco use and socio-behavioral factors related to the pattern of use. Price elasticity is important for the given scale that is used for the type of nicotine dependence considering ST is price inelastic and SLT as price elastic.

Acupuncture for treatment of tobacco withdrawal syndrome: systematic review and Meta-analysis

To systematically review the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of tobacco withdrawal syndrome. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding acupuncture for treatment of tobacco withdrawal syndrome were searched in CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Cochrane, Medline and EMbase databases. The search period was from January 1st of 2011 to December 31st of 2021. After data extraction and bias risk assessment of the included literature, the Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.4.1 software. Totally 23 RCTs were included, including 2 120 patients. The Meta-analysis results showed that compared with medication, acupuncture showed no significant difference at improving Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND) score (MD=0.16, 95%CI: -0.08, 0.41), heaviness of smoking index (HSI) score (MD=0.11, 95%CI: -0.13, 0.36), Minnesota nicotine withdrawal scale (MNWS) score (MD=0.12, 95%CI: -0.11, 1.35), questionnaire of smoking urges (QSU) score (MD=-0.30, 95%CI: -2.78, 2.18), Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) score (MD=0.76, 95%CI: -1.54, 3.06), abstinence rate (RR=0.95, 95% CI: 0.82, 1.10) and effective rate (RR=1.01, 95%CI: 0.95, 1.07). Acupuncture was superior to sham acupuncture in reducing MNWS score (MD=-4.88, 95%CI: -5.21, -4.55, P<0.000 01). Acupuncture was superior to cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing FTND score (MD=-1.41, 95%CI: -1.74, -1.08), MNWS score (MD=-4.28, 95%CI: -5.31, -3.25) and increasing abstinence rate (RR=2.19, 95%CI: 1.39, 3.45, P<0.000 01, P<0.001). Acupuncture could effectively improve tobacco withdrawal syndrome, increase abstinence rate and effective rate. Limited by the quantity and quality of the included studies, this conclusion needs to be verified by more studies.

Addiction in university students – determining the levels of cigarette, alcohol, substance, game, and Internet addiction

Introduction and aim. This study aims to determine the average addiction levels of university students and the effects of different demographic variables on addiction levels and types. Material and methods. The study included 783 volunteer students in the Seydişehir campus of Necmettin Erbakan University. Data were collected face-to-face using Sociodemographic Information Form, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Cut-off test (CAGE), Digital Game Addiction Scale (DGAS-7), and Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Results. Of the students, 27.7% were using tobacco, 14.8% were using alcohol, 2.6% were using ecstasy, 2.3% were using cannabis, 1.4% were using inhalants, 1% were using pills. FTND, DGAS-7, and IAT mean scores were 3.80±2.55, 12.04±5.57, and 43.56±15.73, respectively, and 21.5% had risky alcohol use. Also, 2.2% were game addicts, 3.8% were internet addicts. Digital game addiction, internet addiction, and nicotine addiction were positively correlated. There was no significant relationship between nicotine and internet addictions. Individuals with risky alcohol use had higher rates of nicotine addiction. Conclusion. Students’ addiction rates were similar to the country in general. Addictions gained in the youth years continue in the following years and bring many health problems. Therefore, it is crucial to include the subject of combating addiction more in university education and increase studies on the subject.

Nicotine Dependence among Current Cigarette Smokers Who Use E-Cigarettes and Cannabis

Background Co-use of tobacco and cannabis and dual use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes are very common among young adults. However, it is unclear whether co-use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and/or cannabis is associated with higher levels of nicotine dependence than cigarette-only use. We investigated the relationship between cigarette/nicotine dependence and co-use of tobacco and cannabis among 4 groups of cigarette smokers aged 18–35: cigarette-only smokers, cigarette-e-cigarette (CIG-ECIG) co-users, cigarette-cannabis (CIG-CAN) co-users, and cigarette-e-cigarette-cannabis (CIG-ECIG-CAN) co-users. Methods Data were from a 2018 cross-sectional survey based on a national convenience sample of smokers aged 18–35 (n = 315). Cigarette/nicotine dependence was measured by the Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and e-cigarette dependence was measured by the Penn State E-cigarette Dependence Index. Bivariate analyses examined sociodemographic and tobacco/other substance use characteristics by co-use status and multivariable linear regression assessed the relationship between co-use and nicotine dependence. Results In the sample, 27.6% were cigarette-only smokers, 24.8% were CIG-ECIG, 27.6% were CIG-CAN, and 20.0% were CIG-ECIG-CAN co-users. Significant differences were observed in sociodemographic and tobacco/other substance use characteristics by co-use status. E-cigarette co-users had low e-cigarette dependence, but moderate FTND scores. In adjusted analyses, only CIG-ECIG co-use was associated with higher FTND scores compared to cigarette-only smoking. However, CIG-ECIG and CIG-ECIG-CAN co-use were associated with higher FTND scores compared to CIG-CAN co-use. Conclusions Co-use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes was associated with greater nicotine dependence among smokers aged 18–35. Additional research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of these relationships and inform prevention efforts.

A retrospective epidemiological investigation of periodontitis risk and current smoking status based on the number of cigarettes per day and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence: a preliminary pilot study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of periodontitis according to current smoking status based on the number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD) and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). All enrolled patients were diagnosed and classified according to the new periodontal classification scheme, and current smoking status was investigated via a self-reported questionnaire. The correlation between smoking status (CPD and FTND) and periodontitis risk (severity of periodontitis and tooth loss due to periodontal reasons) was statistically assessed using Spearman correlation coefficients. Moreover, partial correlation analyses between smoking and periodontal status were performed after adjusting for age, sex, and diabetes mellitus. Overall, data from 74 men and 16 women (mean age: 48.1±10.8 years) were evaluated. The mean number of missing teeth, CPD, and FTND score were 3.5±5.2, 24.6±15.5, and 3.5±2, respectively. CPD and the FTND were significantly positively correlated with each other (r=0.741, P<0.001). CPD and the FTND were also significantly correlated with the severity of periodontitis (CPD: r=0.457, P<0.05 and FTND: r=0.326, P<0.05) and the number of missing teeth due to periodontal reasons (CPD: r=0.525, P<0.05 and FTND: r=0.480, P<0.05), respectively. Within the limitations of this study, both CPD and the FTND were significantly correlated with the severity of periodontitis and the number of periodontally compromised extracted teeth.

Identifying the barriers of smoking cessation and predictors of nicotine dependence among adult Malaysian smokers: A cross-sectional study.

Proper understanding of the prevalence and determinants of nicotine dependence is crucial for developing and implementing effective tobacco control interventions. The aim of the study was to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to smoking cessation, and to assess the association between nicotine dependence with demographic variables in Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey based on the Challenges to Stopping Smoking Scale (CSS-21) and Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND) was performed on smoking Malaysian citizens aged ≥18 years, from February to June 2021. A total of 1026 parents responded to the survey. As for the smoking dependence based on FTND, 39.1% suffered low-moderate dependence, while about 33.6% suffered moderate dependence. Only 1.8% suffered high dependence. Considering the barriers of quitting smoking based on CSS-21, the mean score of the intrinsic barriers domain was 5.7 ± 2.9, and for the extrinsic domain was 7.4 ± 4.0. The most common barrier reported in the intrinsic domain was the easy availability of cigarettes (69.8%), followed by experiencing withdrawal symptoms (68.5%). On the other hand, the most common barrier reported in the extrinsic domain was the belief in the capability of stopping smoking in the future (72.8%), followed by the fear of having side effects after stopping smoking (63.2%). Gender, race, education level, occupation, marital status, place of residence, and monthly income were also significantly associated with the FTND nicotine dependence category (all p<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis reported a positive association between intrinsic score (r=0.38), extrinsic score (r=0.43) and FTND score (all p<0.001). Barriers to stopping smoking should be taken into consideration in initiatives to decrease smoking-related mortality. Vulnerable populations that are susceptible to high nicotine dependence should be given particular attention.

Factors associated with predictors of smoking cessation from a Norwegian internet-based smoking cessation intervention study.

We examined if we could identify predictors for smoking cessation at six months post cessation, among smokers enrolled in a large Norwegian population-based intervention study. We followed 4333 (72.1% women) smokers who enrolled in an internet-based smoking cessation intervention during 2010-2012. The baseline questionnaire collected information on sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, including current snus use. The cessation outcome was self-reported no smoking past seven days, at six months. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals, to identify predictors of smoking cessation, adjusting for potential confounders. Women (OR=1.30; 95% CI: 1.01-1.69) compared with men, and those with medium (OR=1.31; 95% CI: 1.02-1.68) and longer (OR=1.42; 95% CI: 1.06-1.90) education compared with those with shorter education, were more likely to be successful quitters.Overall, being a student (OR=0.56; 95% CI: 0.37-0.85) compared with having full-time work, and a moderate to high Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND) score (OR=0.69; 95% CI: 0.55-0.87) compared with a low score, were predictors for unsuccessful cessation. Current snus use was a predictor for unsuccessful cessation compared to no snus use for both men (OR=0.49; 95% CI: 0.28-0.88) and women (OR=0.49; 95% CI: 0.32-0.75). Our study identifies female sex and longer education as predictors for successful smoking cessation, while a medium or high FTND score, being a student, and current snus use, were predictors for unsuccessful smoking cessation. Only current snus use was a predictor for unsuccessful cessation for both sexes. Our results indicate that smokers should be warned that snus use may prevent successful smoking cessation.

Smoking frequency, nicotine dependence, and factors related to nicotine dependence during the COVID-19 pandemic

The present study aimed to reveal the frequencies of tobacco smoking and e-cigarette use and factors related to nicotine dependence during the COVID-19 among individuals living in the central district of Burdur, Turkey. We carried out this cross-sectional, epidemiological study between April and August, 2021. The sample was composed of 660 people selected using the cluster sampling technique. We collected the data using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and a 20-item literature-grounded questionnaire. We then analyzed the data using an independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple regression analysis. About one-fourth of the participants (23.6%) reported current use of alcohol, while the rates of tobacco smokers and e-cigarette users were 59.7% and 5.6%, respectively. We determined 39.6% to have moderate-level nicotine dependence. Moreover, the participants’ FTND scores significantly differed by employment in gender, a paid job, perceived health status, and alcohol use along with smoking (p = 0.003, p = 0.029, p = 0.009, and p = 0.002, respectively). Overall, we concluded that the participants had high frequencies of tobacco smoking and e-cigarette use and an elevated nicotine addiction level during the pandemic.