Fagerström Test For Nicotine Dependence Research Articles

Studying the relationship between tobacco use and eating behavior among Egyptian university students

Abstract Background Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. In addition to the independent risks related to cigarettes, smoking is highly associated with obesity-related behaviors including unhealthy diet. Despite the public health significance, little is known about mechanisms underlying with the paired relationship of smoking and unhealthy dietary behaviors. Aim of the Work This study aimed to Detect the relationship among smoking status and total and specific types of food cravings (i.e., high-fats, sweets, fast-food fats, and complex carbohydrates/starches), the influence of demographic, clinical, and psychological factors on this relationship and estimate the frequency of nicotine dependence among a sample of 420 egyptian students from 4 theoritical and 4 practical faculties in Ain Shams University Patients and Methods This is an observational Cross sectional study study conducted in 8 different faculties in Ain Shams University. The present study aimed at analyzing the demographic data of 420 egyptian university students, during the academic year 2018-2019.The severity of nicotine dependence among those students was assessed using Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), eating behavior was assessed using Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), Socio-Economic Status (SES) Scale for assessing socio-economic level and Eating Disorder Examination Scale for assessing eating disorders. Results Compared to never smokers, current smokers reported more frequent cravings for high-fat foods and fast-food fats, after controlling for BMI and demographic factors. Current smokers also reported consuming more high-fat foods and fast-food fats. Nicotine dependence was positively correlated with the frequency of general food cravings and cravings for high fats, sweets, and carbohydrates/starches. Conclusion Cigarette smokers, and especially those with higher nicotine dependence, may have greater difficulties in addressing food craving and changing eating habits

Smoking-Related Characteristics of Lung Cancer Patients With Alcohol Use Problems

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the smoking-related characteristics of lung cancer patients with alcohol use problem. Methods ： A total of 200 histologically confirmed lung cancer patients who had a current smoking status at the time of cancer diagnosis were recruited into this study. Demographic and smoking- related characteristics were assessed. Smoking-related characteristics, including smoking onset and duration, experiences of smoking cessation, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for tobacco use disorder, were assessed. The Korean version of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-K) was used to classify the alcohol use problem group and the non-alcohol use problem group. Results ： Lung cancer patients with alcohol use problem smoked more number of cigarettes per day. Smoking cessation attempts, duration of the longest smoking cessation, and experiences of smoking cessation treatment did not differ between the two groups. The alcohol use problem group showed a higher FTND score and prevalence of severe tobacco use disorder. Conclusion : The results showed that lung cancer patients with alcohol use problem had more severe nicotine dependence. This implies that the alcohol use problem comorbid with lung cancer would interfere with smoking cessation trials and aggravate lung cancer. Detection and intervention for alcohol use problem in lung cancer patients would be beneficial for smoking cessation and longitudinal course of lung cancer.

Is irregular time estimation a common factor in smoking behavior and delay discounting?

IntroductionSmoking is known to be associated with steeper delay discounting which is a widely used measure of externalizing behavior. This study investigates individual aspects of time estimation and the extent to which these are associated with differences in delay discounting and smoking behavior. MethodsThe study was conducted as an online experiment in a sample of undergraduate students (N = 495), including 51 smokers. Participants completed a serial time estimation, delay discounting task (MCQ), BIS/BAS questionnaire, Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence and an alcohol use assessment (QFV). ResultsSmoking, heavy drinking and delay discounting were associated with faster estimation of time. Furthermore, smoking and delay discounting were associated with differences in autocorrelation. Fun seeking was associated with smoking and alcohol use, but not with time estimation or delay discounting. ConclusionsThis study provides evidence for the hypothesis that an acceleration of the internal clock might lead to time over-estimation which could lead towards delayed consequence sensitivity and addiction. The study also found further evidence for the hypothesis that distortions in time estimation (i.e., autocorrelation) may be related to delay discounting and smoking. Smoking and delay discounting were associated with faster estimations of time and differences in autocorrelation.

Nicotine dependence levels in pre and during pandemic and its correlations with COVID‐19 phobia among healthy men during controlled social life: A sample of primary care population

BACKGROUND: This study aims to determine nicotine dependence levels in pre and during pandemic and its correlations with COVID-19 phobia among healthy men during controlled social life: a sample of primary care population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 472 healthy men in Corum, Black Sea Region, Turkey between February 2019 and October 2020. An online questionnaire was used to collect data including demographic profile, smoking behavior, intention to quit, Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence test (FTND) pre and during COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 phobia scale. RESULTS: In this study, a percentage change of +6.2, +0.8, +1.9, -2.7, -5.1 was found in very low, low, medium, high and very high dependence categories respectively between pre-pandemic and during controlled social life in pandemic. A percentage change of +2.8 was seen in terms of intention to quit smoking. The mean score for COVID-19 phobia was 65.9 ± 15.8 and almost two-thirds of the participants (62%) had medium and high COVID-19 phobia. Men with high/very high dependence had significantly more COVID-19 phobia than the other two groups. There was a significant correlation between FTND scores and COVID-19 phobia. CONCLUSIONS: There were considerable changes in dependence levels and COVID-19 phobia was more common in high/very high dependence group. Controlled social life should be considered a golden opportunity for predicting levels of nicotine dependence and will bring benefit for lower smoking prevalence. COVID-19, Nicotine dependence, Phobia, men, Primary health care.

Betel Quid, Smoking and Alcohol Dependency among Patients with Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders and Oral Cancer in Sri Lanka; A Preliminary Case-control Study

Introduction: Oral cancer and Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs) arising due to risk habits like betel quid (BQ) chewing, smoking and alcohol use are preventable despite the high prevalence and poor survival rates. However, dependence to risk habits has become a barrier to prevent OPMDs and oral cancer. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the dependence to risk habits among patients with such oral lesions, and the quitting among dependent users after diagnosis. Materials and method: A case-control study was conducted among 100 participants, 50 diagnosed with OPMDs and oral cancer from two Oral and Maxillo Facial clinics in Sri Lanka and a similar control group without any oral lesions. All participants practiced one or more risk habits such as BQ chewing, smoking and/or alcohol use. Dependence was assessed using Sinhala language translations of standardized scales such as Betel Quid Dependence Scale for BQ chewers, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence for tobacco smokers and CAGE (“Cut down”, “Annoyed”, “Guilty” and “Eye opener”) scale for alcohol users. Results: Dependence on habits was more among the case group (BQ-93%; smoking-14%; alcohol-66%). Quitting rates of BQ and alcohol among those who were diagnosed with oral cancer [BQ (89%), alcohol (89%)] were higher (p<0.05) than those with OPMDs [BQ (50%), alcohol (22%)]. Lack of awareness due to low socio-economic status (97%) was a significant association for BQ dependence (p=0.01).Conclusion: In conclusion, development of OPMDs and oral cancer increases with dependence to BQ chewing, smoking and alcohol use. Increased awareness about OPMDs and its risk of malignancy is needed among public. Prevention of dependence to these risk habits also becomes essential.

Sigara İçenlerde Psikolojik Bağımlılığın ve Sigara İçme İsteğinin Bırakma Başarısı Üzerine Etkisinin Değerlendirilmesi

Aim: Psychological dependence and smoking desire are as important as physical dependence on smoking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the addiction levels and smoking urge of people who want to quit smoking on their success. Patients and Methods: This study, which is a cross-sectional analytical study, was conducted people who applied to a smoking cessation clinic between 10 January 2020 - 30 April 2020. Sociodemographic information form, the Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Test (FNDT) and the Test for the Assessment of the Psychological Addiction of Smoking (APAS) were applied and CO levels were measured. Motivational interviews were made and treatments were arranged if necessary. The Carbon monoxide (CO) levels of the patients who were called for control one month later were measured and the Questionnaire of Smoking Urges (QSU) was applied. Those with a CO level of 5 ppm and above were considered to be unable to quit smoking. Results: The average age of 176 patients participating in the study was 37.68±11.89 years and 81.3% were male. The mean of cigarette consumption per pack was 23.42±16.06, the average FNDT was 6.13±2.39 and the CO was 13.33±6.31 ppm. APAS scale mean score was 15.19±2.63 points. According to the FNDT score, 41.5% of the patients were highly dependent, and 6.8% according to the APAS score were severely dependent. Control CO level of the patients who came for control one month later was found to be 5.03±3.03 ppm. Accordingly, 67.6% of the patients could not quit smoking, and the mean QSU score was 33.56±15.71. FNDT, APAS and QSU scale mean scores of those who quit smoking were statistically significantly lower than those who did not quit smoking (p=0.015, p<0.001 and p=0.025, respectively). Conclusion: Those who are high psychological dependence to smoking have low success to quitting smoking. Psychological addiction such as nicotine addiction of those who apply to smoking cessation clinics should be evaluated and ways of coping with smoking desire should be expl ained during motivational interviews.

Tobacco use and nicotine dependence among patients with diabetes and hypertension in Ballabgarh, India.

Tobacco use is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular mortality and has a synergistic effect with diabetes and hypertension. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of tobacco use and nicotine dependence among adult diabetic and/or hypertensive patients. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 419 consecutively enrolled patients from the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) outpatient clinic of a secondary level hospital in Ballabgarh, India between July 2018 and January 2019. We administered a pre-tested questionnaire to assess tobacco use and Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) to assess nicotine dependence. Current tobacco users were defined as those who smoked in the past seven days. Nicotine dependence was classified as low, moderate or high for the FTND score of 0 -3, 4-6, and 7-10, respectively.Seventy-nine patients had diabetes, 226 had hypertension, and 114 had both. The prevalence of tobacco use was 20.8% (95% CI : 17.1 - 24.9); prevalence of smoking was 15% (95% CI: 11.9 â€" 18.8) and smokeless tobacco use was 7.2% (95% CI: 5 - 10.1). Moderate to high nicotine dependence was found among 59.7% of tobacco users; 75.9% tobacco users attempted to quit tobacco in the past one month. One-fifth of attendees of a NCD clinic in a secondary level hospital used tobacco, most of whom had moderate-to-high nicotine dependence. High level of nicotine dependence and inability to quit despite making an attempt for it necessitates the inclusion of tobacco cessation services in the management of patients with non-communicable diseases.

Leptin Gene and Leptin Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Alcohol Use Disorder: Findings Related to Psychopathology.

Comorbidity between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other addictive and psychiatric disorders is highly prevalent and disabling; however, the underlying biological correlates are not fully understood. Leptin is a peptide hormone known for its role in energy homeostasis and food intake. Furthermore, leptin plays a key role in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and of several neurotransmitter systems that regulate emotionality and behavior. However, human studies that have investigated circulating leptin levels in relation to AUD and affective disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are conflicting. Genetic-based analyses of the leptin gene (LEP) and leptin receptor gene (LEPR) have the potential of providing more insight into the potential role of the leptin system in AUD and comorbid psychopathology. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether genotypic variations at LEP and LEPR are associated with measures of alcohol use, nicotine use, anxiety, and depression, all of which represent common comorbidities with AUD. Haplotype association analyses were performed, using data from participants enrolled in screening and natural history protocols at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Analyses were performed separately in European Americans and African Americans due to the variation in haplotype diversity for most genes between these groups. In the European American group, one LEP haplotype (EB2H4) was associated with lower odds of having a current AUD diagnosis, two LEPR haplotypes (EB7H3, EB8H3) were associated with lower cigarette pack years and two LEPR haplotypes (EB7H2, EB8H2) were associated with higher State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T) scores. In the African American group, one LEP haplotype (AB2H8) was associated with higher cigarette pack years and one LEP haplotype (AB3H2) was associated with lower Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) scores. Overall, this study found that variations in the leptin and leptin receptor genes are associated with measures of alcohol use, nicotine use, and anxiety. While this preliminary study adds support for a role of the leptin system in AUD and psychopathologies, additional studies are required to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic implications of these findings.

Pulmonary Health of Traffic Policemen in Low Air-Polluted Bogor Area

Background: Traffic policemen are very susceptible to respiratory problems due to the potential for exposure to air pollution. Therefore, this study aimed to assess respiratory health aspects of traffic policemen in Bogor, West Java. Method: Registered traffic policemen in Bogor were evaluated for respiratory symptoms, smoking habits, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) Questionnaire, chest x-ray, and spirometry. Air quality measurements were also carried out as a reference. Result: During the study period, the air quality in Bogor was classified as “Good” and below the ambient air pollutant standard. A total of 95 traffic policemen participated with a mean age of 37.3±8.7 years (range 23–57 years), mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28.1±4.2 kg/m2, and a length of service of 3-38 years (mean of 12.3 years). Mild pulmonary function impairment was found in 7.4% of subjects. About 61% of subjects had a smoking habit but with a low addiction index (FTND) and exCO. Decreased lung function was correlated to BMI and age (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Pulmonary function impairment in traffic policemen in Bogor City was correlated to age and BMI.

Tobacco smoking and nicotine dependence among patients with respiratory diseases in Vietnam: Status and correlated factors

IntroductionUnderstanding nicotine dependence can support clinicians in enhancing the effectiveness of treatments for respiratory patients. Our research aimed to assess the severity of nicotine dependence among patients with respiratory diseases in Vietnam and accordingly suggest potential interventions for tobacco cessation. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the Respiratory center of Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, for two months of 2016 (October and November). A total of 508 respondents participated in the study Data on socio-economic characteristics and smoking patterns were collected. The Euroqol-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L) and Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND) were used to evaluate patient's quality of life and the nicotine dependence level, respectively. Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests were used to assess the differences between variables. We applied the multivariate logistic regression and Tobit regression to categorize the association between nicotine dependence level and other factors. ResultsA total of 508 patients enrolled in our study. Former smokers and current smokers accounted for 8.1% and 38.6% of the sample, respectively. Current smokers were more likely to be male, work as free lancers, and report anxiety/depression. Higher level of nicotine dependence among current smokers was associated with the employment status of the patient. The mean number of cigarettes per day was 15.7 (SD = 11.1). The mean score of the FTND was 5.1 (SD = 2.0). Freelancers were more likely to be a current smoker (OR = 2.65, 95% CI = 2.21; 5.79). People who experienced anxiety/depression had a higher likelihood of smoking (OR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.04; 4.72). ConclusionsCurrent smokers demonstrated a moderate level of nicotine dependence, which predict a difficult quitting and suggest the development of specialized programs to support smoking cessation counseling. Furthermore, the capabilities of physicians in supporting and counseling patients in quitting smoking should be strengthened.

Psychometric properties of Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence: A systematic review.

The Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) is a widely used test for assessing physical nicotine dependence. However, there is a need to assess the psychometric properties of FTND to assess its role in treatment outcome studies. The aim of the present investigation was to review the psychometric properties of the FTND. A broad systematic literature search was performed from Pubmed and PsycINFO from 2000 to 2019. The publication language was limited to English. Two review authors performed the study selection and extracted the data. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the Rayyan software used to screen relevant studies. A total of 1471 articles retrieved from the search, of which 33 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Eleven studies related to testing the reliability of the FTND were analyzed. Twenty-five studies evaluated the Cronbach alpha of the test. Analysis of the studies revealed the questionable psychometric qualities of the adapted versions of the test across different cultures and ethnicity. It also suggested that it may not tap the appropriate constructs that would predict smoking patterns in light smokers, e-cigarette smokers, and smokeless tobacco users. Thus, further research must focus on improving the psychometric properties of FTND to enhance the measurement of nicotine dependence.

Evaluation of Nicotine Dependence in Adult Population of Eastern Nepal

Background Tobacco consumption is a leading cause of premature death in the world. Tobacco-related deaths are associated with cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, oral potentially malignant disorders, cancer, others. Moreover there is also associated nicotine dependence which might result to numerous tobacco-associated diseases.&#x0D; Objective This study was conducted to analyze the degree of nicotine dependence considering its potential health risk, in the Eastern region of Nepal.&#x0D; Method A descriptive questionnaire-based study was conducted among current tobacco users of six districts of Eastern Nepal. Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependency for Smokeless Tobacco (FTNDST) questionnaire were used for tobacco smokers and chewers, respectively.&#x0D; Result Of the total participants, 836 were males and 359 females, among whom 736 were active tobacco smokers and 432 chewers, 34.8% had tried to stop consuming tobacco and 306 (25.6%) had oral lesions in white or red forms. Very low nicotine dependence was found among 244 (31.47%) tobacco smokers and 37 (8.56%) chewers whereas 36 (4.71%) smokers and 103 (23.84%) chewers had very high nicotine dependence. The mean score for FTND was 3.73±2.37 and 5.74±2.12 for FTND-ST. A significant difference in duration and age group with FTND score was observed, however not with FTND-ST.&#x0D; Conclusion The information regarding degree of nicotine dependence can be used as baseline information for planning of preventive strategies and implementation of tobacco cessation and control programs.

Kabul ve kararlılık temelli danışmanlığın sigara bırakma ve yaşam kalitesi üzerindeki etkisi

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the effect of acceptance and commitment-based counseling on smoking cessation and quality of life in Turkish society. &#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with experimental design with 35 individuals including 17 in the intervention group and 18 in the control group. The data of the study were collected using the Personal Information Form, SF-36 Quality of life Questionnaire, and Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). 6 sessions of acceptance and commitment-based counseling was given to the intervention group including 1 session per week for 6 weeks. &#x0D; Results: The intervention and control groups had similar demographic characteristics. It was determined that there was a significant decrease in the mean number of cigarettes a day and FTND intervention follow-up measurement mean scores after the intervention and in the follow-up measurements in the intervention group and this decrease was significantly lower than the mean number of cigarettes per day by the participants in the control group. In the intragroup evaluation of SF-36 Quality of Life subscale scores of the intervention group, significant score increases were observed in all subscales other than physical role functioning, pain, and emotional role functioning. &#x0D; Conclusion: Acceptance and commitment-based counseling was found to be effective in smoking cessation and quality of life in Turkish society. This study provide useful evidence-based information for healthcare professionals in the nursing practice.

Tedavi Öncesi Yüksek Nikotin Bağımlılığı Sigarayı Bırakma Sonrası Diyabet Riskini Artırır mı?

Aim:This study aimed to observe the pre-treatment nicotine dependence level (NDL) and the change in diabetes risk screening results during the post-cessation period.Material and Methods: In the current study, 527 current smokers who applied to a tertiary hospital for smoking cessation treatment between February 2019 and July 2019 were included. Firstly, a questionnaire (containing demographic data, the Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Test; FTND, and the American Diabetes Association; ADA Diabetes Risk Screening Tool) was applied. In the second stage, smoking cessation status and diabetes risk of 279 patients who could be reached by phone after 6 months were re-evaluated. Results:Based on initial results, 33.6% of nicotine addicts were heavy smokers and 20.5% had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk. Although FNBT score and diabetes risk score (p = 0.002, r = 0.133) were related, NDL was not effective in the presence of T2DM risk before quitting (p = 0.08). Increased post-cessation T2DM risk was detected in quitters (25.3%) versus current smokers (13.5%).Six-month follow-up indicated that the rate of diabetes risk among current smokers was 46% of quitters (p=0.01, OR=0.46;0.25-0.86). The diabetes risk presence related to pre-treatment heavy dependence among quitters (54.1%) was higher than mild (13.5%) or moderate (32.4%) nicotine dependence (p=0.004). Although final BMI was not different between quitters and smokers (p=0,58), there was a significant increase in BMI between baseline and final visits (p&amp;lt;0.001; Z=−10.39). Both current smokers and quitters had similar age and gender demographics (p=0.64, p=0.37, respectively). Conclusion:Particularly heavy smokers might be aware that smoking cessation would be more rational with a lifestyle change to prevent diabetes risk of the post-cessation period. Our study would contribute to knowledge about smoking, post-cessation, and T2DM risk.

Comparison between Acupuncture and Nicotine Replacement Therapies for Smoking Cessation Based on Randomized Controlled Trials: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis.

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and/or safety of acupuncture therapy (AT) in quitting smoking. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM). We used Cochrane Collaborative Quality Assessment to assess the risk of bias. Bayesian network meta-analysis was utilized to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different interventions. Data analyses were conducted using WinBUGS 1.4.3, Stata 14, and RevMan 5.3.5 software. Results A total of 2706 patients from 23 studies were included, involving 6 treatment arms. Network meta-analysis demonstrated that there was no significant difference in short-term abstinence rates or changes in Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) scores and daily smoking among these groups (AT, sham acupuncture therapy (SAT), auricular acupressure (AA), sham auricular acupressure (SAA), acupuncture plus auricular acupressure (APAA), and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)). However, there was a significant difference between SAA and AA with risk ratio (RR) of 2.49 (95% CI 1.14, 5.97) in long-term abstinence rate. The probabilistic ranking results showed that APAA and AA were superior to other interventions in the comparison of abstinence rates. There was no obvious inconsistency between the direct comparison and indirect comparison, using the consistency test. Conclusion AA was superior to SAA in smoke quitting, but there was no difference among other interventions in long-term truncation rates. There was no difference in short-term abstinence rates among these selected groups. We need large sample RCTs to clarify the advantages of interventions such as APAA and AA. In addition, reporting of adverse events that may occur during treatment also should be enhanced to complement evidence-based medicine. The trial is registered with PROSPERO CRD42020164712.

Validation of the Alcohol Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) in acute psychiatric inpatients.

The aims of this study were to examine the psychometric properties of The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) in psychiatric inpatients, due to the scarcity of screening instruments validated in this population. Patients from Hospital Clínic's psychiatric ward (n=202) completed: ASSIST, Addiction Severity Index (ASI), MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS), and Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST). Reliability and validity evidences based on internal structure (Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses) and on the relation to other variables were obtained. Excellent internal consistency was found for Total Substance Involvement (TSI) (α = .92 and ω = .93) and for Specific Substance Involvement (SSI) scores (α = .88 - .96 and ω = .89 - .95). Analysis of internal structure for tobacco, alcohol and cannabis subscales resulted in unidimensional models with adequate goodness-of-fit indices. ASSIST scores were significantly correlated with those of ASI (r = .795 to r = .953), AUDIT (r = .864), FTND (r = .808), DAST (r = .831), SDS (r = .519) and with "number of diagnoses of abuse/dependence" in MINI-Plus (TSI: r = .857 to r = .862; SSI: r = .646 to r = .834). Receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC) and Mann-Whitney's U test found good discriminative validity evidences. ASSIST scores showed good reliability and there were validity evidences that support its use for identifying risk levels of tobacco, alcohol and other substance use in psychiatric patients.

Effects of Oral pH Changes on Smoking Desire.

Background: Nicotine addiction is associated with nicotine absorption from the buccal mucosa, and it is stated that the main factor that determines nicotine absorption is saliva pH. In the literature, the effects of changes in saliva pH values after eating and drinking on smoking desire in smokers were not questioned.Aim: To show the effect of saliva pH changes on smoking desire. The secondary aim was to show the impact of coffee and water drinking on saliva pH and smoking on oral-dental health (oral hygiene and gingival bleeding).Study Design: Case–control study.Methods: A questionnaire was administered that included “Socio­demographic Data Form” and smoking history and Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Oral and dental examinations were performed with mirror sonds and using oral hygiene standard Silness and Leöe plaque index and DMFT Index (Index of Decayed Missing or Filled Teeth). Untreated saliva samples were taken, and baseline saliva flow rate and pH values were measured. To assess pH changes, saliva pH was remeasured after sugar-free instant coffee and water consumption. Smoking desire was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).Results: In this study, 24 (55.8%) females and 19 (44.2%) males were among the 43 smoking and 39 nonsmoking cases. Smoking was significantly associated with poor oral hygiene (in smokers 4.71 (±1.40), in non-smokers 2.30 (±1.59); P < .01). DMFT index was higher in smokers than in non-smokers (in smokers 6.45 (±3.69), in non-smokers 3.87 (±2.67); P < .01). Gingival bleeding was more prevalent in smokers (0.68 (±0.76)) than non-smokers (1.20 (±0.90); P = .009). Salivary flow rates were lower in smokers (in smokers 2.56 (±1.34), in non-smokers 3.00 (±1.22), P = .06). In both groups, pH values increased after coffee consumption and decreased after water; in smokers basal: 6.67 (±0.41), pH coffee: 6.93 (±0.36), pH water: 6.85 (±0.33); in non-smokers pH basal: 6.84 (±0.37), pH coffee: 7.02 (±0.37), pH water: 6.97 (±0.31), P < .01. The VAS values of smokers at basal 4.73 (±3.21); P < 0.01, after coffee consumption 4.91 (±3.08); P < .01, and after water 3.15 (±2.72); P < .01.Conclusion: The saliva pH increased after coffee consumption and decreased after drinking water. Besides, VAS values decreased significantly after drinking water. The results suggest that a simple behavior such as drinking water may be used in conjunction with behavioral and cognitive therapies to pursue smoking cessation.

Investigation of the effect of smoking on depression and stress in healthcare workers during a pandemic

Aim: In the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers suffer from significant stress and anxiety disorders. The importance of smoking in the mortality and morbidity of COVID-19 disease is obvious. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of smoking on depression and perceived stress in healthcare workers who served at the forefront during the pandemic period. Material and Methods: In our study, participants were asked questions on the Depression Severity Scale (PHQ-9), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS 14), and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) using aquestionnaire method, and the results were evaluated. Results: Depression and stress symptoms were most often found in the healthcare workers included in our study. However, there was no statistically significant difference in depression and perceived stress scale between smoking and non-smoking groups. Discussion: Previous studies have demonstrated that smokers are more affected by COVID-19 and that their morbidity rate is higher. Because of this informa-tion, smoking healthcare professionals are more symptomatic in terms of mental health disorders, but no statistical difference was reported between smokers and non-smokers in this study in terms of being symptomatic. Although smoking was revealed as a comorbidity for COVID-19, there was no significant difference between smoking and non-smoking healthcare professionals in terms of mental health disorders.

Daily cannabis use in adolescents who smoke tobacco is associated with altered late-stage feedback processing: A high-density electrical mapping study

Impairments in feedback processing, often associated with risk-taking behavior, may have implications for development of substance abuse in adolescents. The most commonly used substances by adolescents include tobacco and cannabis, with some individuals using both substances, potentially heightening risk. Our objective was to examine feedback processing and impulsivity in adolescents who smoke cigarettes and use cannabis daily (N = 21), comparing them with adolescents who smoke cigarettes daily and use cannabis occasionally (N = 18) and non-smoking (N = 27) adolescents. To do this, the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART) with concurrent EEG was used to measure risk-related feedback processing, and impulsivity was measured using the Barratt's impulsiveness scale (BIS-11). It was found that adolescent daily tobacco/cannabis smoking was associated with higher BIS-11 scores, shortened feedback-related-negativity (FRN) latencies and reduced P300 amplitudes. In addition, FRN latencies during win conditions were inversely associated with tobacco-use severity, indicated by scores on the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and with BIS-11 scores. Adolescents with concurrent tobacco and cannabis use show altered feedback processing and higher impulsivity. Future work should disentangle whether the effect reflects risk, consequences of use or both.

The effect of anxiety on nicotine dependence among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PurposeThis study investigated the effect of anxiety on nicotine dependence among university students during the COVID‐19 pandemic.Design and MethodsThis was a descriptive and correlational study. The sample consisted of 503 university students in Turkey. Data were collected online using a demographic characteristics form, the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND).FindingsFTND scores differed by gender, family type, and grade level, while STAI scores differed by gender, income, and region of residence (p < 0.05). Fifty‐one percent of the participants had moderate anxiety, while 65.2% had low nicotine dependence. FTND and STAI mean scores were strongly correlated (p < 0.05).Practical ImplicationsThe higher the anxiety, the higher the nicotine dependence among university students during the COVID‐19 pandemic.