Fagerström Test For Nicotine Dependence Research Articles

Egzersiz Bağımlılığı ile Çocukluk Çağı Travmaları Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi

This study was conducted to examine whether there is a relationship between exercise addiction and childhood traumas. Sociodemographic Information Form, Exercise Addiction Inventory, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-28), Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) prepared by the researcher were applied to the participants in the study. For the study, 3747 male and female volunteers completed the Exercise Addiction Inventory. Among these volunteers, the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test was administered to 1756 people, the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence to 1076 people, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire to 935 people. In the analysis, it was seen that there was no relationship between exercise addiction and childhood traumas. In addition, when exercise addiction and different sociodemographic characteristics were examined together, the addiction scores of the participants who were male, young, had a lower income level, were single, had a lower education level, and used alcohol and reported harmful alcohol use were found to be significantly higher. Addiction status did not differ significantly according to BMI, smoking and smoking addiction, place of residence, history of psychiatric treatment.

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 and visceral adiposity as risk factors for the development and severity of carotid artery stenosis.

Nicotine dependence (ND) and visceral adiposity are emerging as independent risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, including carotid artery stenosis (CAS). This study aimed to determine the relationship between ND and the contribution of abdominal fat to the onset of CAS, which is indicated by a luminal narrowing of at least 60% as determined by duplex and/or Doppler ultrasound. We prospectively collected data from 60 patients with CAS and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), a common research tool, was used in the study. The original questionnaire was designed to gather social and demographic data. Anthropometric measurements, visceral adiposity index (VAI), and lipid accumulation products (LAP) were used to assess obesity. Most patients showed a high or mild-moderate degree of ND: 46.67% and 35%, respectively. The median visceral adiposity index (VAI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) in patients was 3.92 and 32.83, respectively. Prolonged smoking duration, increased intensity, and high ND are hallmarks of CAS patients.

Does tobacco dependence worsen cannabis withdrawal in people with and without schizophrenia-spectrum disorders?

Rates of cannabis use disorder (CUD) are higher in people with schizophrenia than in the general population. Irrespective of psychiatric diagnosis, tobacco co-use is prevalent in those with CUD and leads to poor cannabis cessation outcomes. The cannabis withdrawal syndrome is well-established and increases cannabis relapse risk. We investigated whether cannabis withdrawal severity differed as a function of high versus no/low tobacco dependence and psychiatric diagnosis in individuals with CUD. Men with CUD (N = 55) were parsed into four groups according to schizophrenia diagnosis and tobacco dependence severity using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND): men with schizophrenia with high tobacco dependence (SCT+, n = 13; FTND ≥ 5) and no/low tobacco dependence (SCT-, n = 22; FTND ≤ 4), and nonpsychiatric controls with high (CCT+, n = 7; FTND ≥ 5) and no/low (CCT-, n = 13; FTND ≤ 4) tobacco dependence. Participants completed the Marijuana Withdrawal Checklist following 12-h of cannabis abstinence. There was a significant main effect of tobacco dependence on cannabis withdrawal severity (p < .001). Individuals with high tobacco dependence had significantly greater cannabis withdrawal severity (M = 13.85 [6.8]) compared to individuals with no/low tobacco dependence (M = 6.49, [4.9]). Psychiatric diagnosis and the interaction effects were not significant. Lastly, cannabis withdrawal severity positively correlated with FTND (r = .41, p = .002). Among individuals with CUD and high tobacco dependence, cannabis withdrawal severity was elevated twofold, irrespective of diagnosis, relative to individuals with CUD and no/low tobacco dependence. Findings from this study emphasize the importance of addressing tobacco co-use when treating CUD.

Predictors for quitting smoking in smoking cessation clinics among female smokers in China.

The number of cessation clinics in China have been increasing ever since the Chinese government supported the establishment of smoking cessation clinics (SCCs) in each province in 2014. Many studies have examined smoking cessation behaviors among male smokers, but few of female smokers. This study aimed to understand female smokers' quitting behaviors in SCCs and identify predictors of successful cessation. This study used data of the SCCs Platform in China from 2018 to 2020. The self-reported 7-day point prevalence of abstinence rate (PPAR) at 1 month and at 3 months follow-up and the continuous abstinence rate (CAR) at 3 months follow-up are reported based on smokers' characteristics and intention to treat analysis. A multiple logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of continuous abstinence at 3 months follow-up. The 7-day PPAR of female outpatients in SCCs was 29.20% at 1 month follow-up and 28.36% at 3 months follow-up. The CAR at 3 months follow-up was 19.88%. Female smokers who were prepared to quit within 7 days (AOR=2.86; 95% CI: 1.53-5.32), today (AOR=4.01; 95% CI: 2.35-6.85), had started to quit (AOR=7.11; 95% CI: 4.12-12.27), and used a combination of counseling and drugs (AOR=2.41; 95% CI: 1.73-3.35) were more likely to quit smoking. Associated with lower quitting rates were: living in the central region of China (AOR=0.47; 95% CI: 0.31-0.73) and the west region (AOR=0.48; 95% CI: 0.31-0.73); being aged 30-39 years (AOR=0.39; 95% CI: 0.23-0.64), and 40-49 years (AOR=0.41; 95% CI:0.24-0.69); being unemployed (AOR=0.64; 95% CI: 0.45-0.91); having a fair perceived health status at the first visit (AOR=0.65; 95% CI: 0.47-0.91) and a poor one (AOR=0.37; 95% CI: 0.21-0.64); having a moderate nicotine dependence (AOR=0.64; 95% CI: 0.44-0.92) and a severe one (AOR=0.50; 95% CI: 0.34-0.72). In our study, the region of residence, age, employment, perceived health status, Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND), readiness to quit, and intervention model were independent predictors of quitting for female smokers. Improving the motivation to quit, providing intensive psychological interventions and equipping SCCs with cessation medication would assist female smokers to quit.

Diurnal variability of cortisol in the Pennsylvania adult smoking study: Exploration of association with nicotine intake

Cortisol in saliva, urine and plasma follows a diurnal rhythm typically characterized as a morning peak and a decline throughout the waking day. While often measured under controlled conditions, inter-individual differences in cortisol diurnal rhythms in free living populations are not well characterized. Cortisol levels may vary substantially between individuals and the level of variation may differ depending on the time of day. Further, associations with individual characteristics such as nicotine dependence on cortisol rhythms have not been adequately determined. We developed a Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry method to measure cortisol in saliva of 180 smokers from the Pennsylvania Adult Smoking Study. Diurnal patters of cortisol were determined by obtaining five timed samples throughout the day for a total of 900 determinations. Adherence to the protocol was estimated by asking participants to record the time of sample collection. Longitudinal linear mixed effects models were developed to measure the predictors of mean levels. Phenotypic groups were constructed based on the minimum and maximum cortisol levels. Mixed method modelling was conducted to determine the effects of phenotype and study adherence as well as reported measures of stress, nicotine dependence and cigarette smoking frequency. Nicotine metabolites were measured to accurately quantify dose of smoking intake. Results showed that there was moderate compliance to the timed protocol. Descriptive and analytic findings showed that some smokers had atypical cortisol patterns, and that the cortisol profiles based on experience of maximum and minimum cortisol levels can predict how cortisol varies throughout the day. There was no association with reported stress, cigarettes per day, and nicotine metabolites. There was no association with the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence. The Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC) score was associated with decreased cortisol levels. Overall these results show new approaches and expectations to population-based studies of cortisol.

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.

Alcohol use, suicidality and virologic non-suppression among young adults with perinatally acquired HIV in Thailand: a cross-sectional study.

Young adults with perinatally acquired HIV (YA-PHIV) are facing transitions to adult life. This study assessed health risk behaviours (including substance use), mental health, quality of life (QOL) and HIV treatment outcomes of Thai YA-PHIV. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Thai YA-PHIV aged 18-25 years who were enrolled in a prospective cohort study at five tertiary paediatric HIV care centres in Thailand. Study data were obtained through face-to-face interviews from November 2020 to July 2021. Assessments were performed for alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test; AUDIT), smoking (Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence), drug/substance use (Drug Abuse Screening Test; DAST-10), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents; PHQ-A), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder; GAD-7) and QOL (World Health Organization QOL Brief-Thai). HIV treatment outcomes were extracted from the National AIDS Program database. Of 355 YA-PHIV, 163 (46%) were males: their median age was 21.7 (interquartile range, IQR 20.2-23.5) years. There were 203 YA-PHIV (58%) who reported ever having sex; 141 (40%) were sexually active in the past 6 months, of whom 86 (61%) reported 100% condom use. Overall, 49 (14%) met the criteria for harmful alcohol use; 28 (7.9%) were alcohol dependent. Sixty (17%) were current smokers and 37 (11%) used drugs/substances. The frequency of moderate up to severe symptoms for depression was 18% and for anxiety was 9.7%. Their overall QOL was good in 180 (51%), moderate in 168 (47%) and poor in five (1.4%). There were 49 YA-PHIV (14%) with CD4 <200 cells/mm3 and 85 (24%) with virologic non-suppression (HIV-RNA >200 copies/ml). On multivariate analyses, the highest education at the primary to high school or vocational school levels (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.02, 95% CI 1.40-3.95, p 0.04), harmful alcohol use (aOR 2.48, 95% CI 1.24-4.99, p 0.01), alcohol dependence (aOR 3.54, 95% CI 1.51-8.31, p <0.01) and lifetime suicidal attempt (aOR 2.66, 95% CI 1.11-6.35, p 0.03) were associated with non-suppression. Regular screening for alcohol use and mental health, including suicidality, would be useful to identify YA-PHIV who need more intensive psychosocial support or referral services to ensure they can achieve and maintain a high QOL into adult life.

Longitudinal associations between age 20 problematic substance use and opioid use disorder incidence at age 30 – findings from an urban cohort

This study used data from a longitudinal prevention study in an urban cohort to examine associations between nicotine dependence, alcohol, and cannabis use disorder and disorder criteria at age 20, with opioid use disorder (OUD) incidence or criteria onset by age 30. The study sample included 1408 participants (57.5% female, 72.5% African American) drawn from two cohorts of participants in a mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. as part of a series of randomized controlled trials of elementary school-based universal prevention interventions. Lifetime cannabis use disorder (CUD), alcohol use disorder (AUD; both DSM-IV), and current nicotine dependence (Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, FTND) assessed at age 20 were used to predict (1) DSM-IV lifetime OUD at age 30, and (2) OUD criteria between ages 20 and 30 in multivariable logistic regression models. Covariates for all analyses included sociodemographics (sex, race, and free/reduced-priced lunch status), community disadvantage, and intervention status. Nicotine dependence (FTND≥3) at age 20 predicted age 30 DSM-IV lifetime OUD (aOR = 2.37; 95% CI 1.02,5.54). The number of CUD criteria (aOR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.09,1.57) and nicotine dependence severity scores (aOR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.05,1.41) at age 20 predicted any OUD criteria between the ages of 20 and 30. Findings are consistent with previous research on opioid use behavior in young adulthood and suggest that nicotine dependence and CUD criteria among urban young people predict onset of OUD and OUD criteria in young adulthood.

Prevalence of smoking among medical students and associated factors in Turkey

ABSTRACT Objective The goal of this study is to assess medical school students’ smoking rates, levels of addiction, factors influencing tobacco smoking, and attitudes toward tobacco information and bans. Methods For this study, a survey was conducted with 709 students studying at medical faculty in the years 2021–2022. In the survey, questions including demographic information, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and information on tobacco smoking and bans were asked. Results The smoking rate of medical students was 34.7% for males, 14.1% for females, and 24% overall. The mean age of onset of tobacco smoking was 17.3 ± 2.3, and the FTND mean was 3.1 ± 2.6. 12.1% of all participants smoked hookah. Considering the factors that significantly affect smoking with binary logistic regression modeling; male sex odds ratio [OR] 2.9 95% [Confidence Interval (CI):1.8–4.8], 4th grade OR:5.7 (CI:2.3–13.9), alcohol use OR:1.8 (CI:1.1–3.0), high school degree of the mother OR:3.4 (CI:0.9-13.3), smoking-related illness in the family OR:2.4 (CI:1.2–4.7) increased the risk of smoking (p < .001). Conclusions The tobacco smoking rate in medical faculties in Turkey is still high, similar to the society. There is a need for curriculum changes related to tobacco in medical education. Training involving addiction treatments should be included in medical school.

Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders in Chhattisgarh: Findings from National Mental Health Survey.

Psychiatric disorders are among the leading contributors to disability in India and worldwide. The pattern, prevalence, and distribution of psychiatric disorders in the country and its regions need to be assessed to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. No study on the epidemiology of psychiatric disorders has been conducted in the Chhattisgarh state. This paper, as part of the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), discusses the prevalence and pattern of psychiatric disorders in Chhattisgarh state. A stratified random cluster sampling technique and random selection based on probability proportional to size (PPS) at each stage were adopted. Participants were from three selected districts of Chhattisgarh, such as Janjgir-Champa, Kabirdham, and Raipur. Adults (aged ≥18 years) residing in selected households were interviewed using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (version 6.0), the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence, the WHO-SEARO screening questionnaire for generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and screening tools for intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. A total of 2841 individuals were interviewed. The state's lifetime and current prevalence of psychiatric disorders for adults were 14.06% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 13.83-14.29] and 11.66% (95% CI = 11.45-11.87), respectively. Prevalence of substance use disorders, tobacco use disorders, schizophrenia and related disorders, and mood disorders was 32.4% (95% CI = 32.09-32.71), 29.86% (95% CI = 29.56-30.16), 0.8% (95% CI = 0.75-0.86), and 4.44% (95% CI = 4.31-4.58), respectively. High risk for suicide was detected in 0.28% (95% CI = 0.25-0.31). Psychiatric disorders were twice more common in males than in females. The study gives authentic data on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in Chhattisgarh. This shall pave the way for policymakers and planners to design state-specific plans for dealing with mental disorders and related issues.

Psychopathic Traits Are Associated with Lifetime History of Nicotine Dependence among Incarcerated Offenders

Background: Individuals scoring high on psychopathy engage in problematic patterns of alcohol and illicit substance use. However, our understanding regarding the association between psychopathy and nicotine use remains limited, which is surprising, given the detrimental consequences associated with such use. Previous studies have observed significant correlations between psychopathic traits (particularly Factor 2 scores assessing lifestyle/behavioral and antisocial traits from the Psychopathy Checklist - Revised [PCL-R]) and increased frequency of nicotine use. However, no study has investigated whether individuals scoring high on psychopathy are characterized by problematic patterns of nicotine use, including lifetime history of nicotine dependence. Objectives: The current study aimed to address this gap, specifically investigating whether PCL-R scores were associated with higher total scores from the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Results: Across both incarcerated men and women, PCL-R total, Factor 2, and Facet 3 (measuring lifestyle/behavioral psychopathic traits) scores were positively correlated with FTND total scores. Additionally, across both samples, hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed these same psychopathy scores remained associated with higher FTND total scores when controlling for additional covariate measures (e.g., age, severity of alcohol and illicit substance use, race, ethnicity, and IQ). Conclusions/Importance: Though associated with small effect sizes, our results support the notion that lifestyle/behavioral psychopathic traits represent a general risk factor for engaging in risky behavior associated with deleterious health consequences, including nicotine use. Our results hold implications for the development of treatment approaches, designed to reduce problematic levels of substance use among individuals scoring high on psychopathy.

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.

Effects of smoking cessation on plasma clozapine concentrations in male patients with schizophrenia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of smoking cessation on plasma clozapine (CLO) concentrations in long-term hospitalized Chinese male patients with schizophrenia treated with CLO during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) data for CLO were collected at Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital between December 1, 2019 (before smoking cessation) and January 31, 2020 (after smoking cessation) in this retrospective study. Fifty-three male smokers and inpatients with schizophrenia who were treated with CLO were included. Plasma concentrations of CLO were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) was used to assess smoking behavior. The plasma CLO concentrations and dose-corrected plasma CLO concentrations were significantly increased by 29.3 and 23.5%, respectively, after smoking cessation. The results suggested that clinicians and pharmacists should adjust the CLO dose based on changes in smoking status in patients stabilized with CLO during the COVID-19 pandemic. Careful TDM for CLO should be performed prior to dose adjustment，to reduce the increased risk of smoking cessation induced side effects, especially for older patients receiving multiple medications.

Studying the association between cigarette smoking and serum copper, zinc, and magnesium concentrations: A cross-sectional study

Background and Objectives: Tobacco smoking causes damages almost for every organ in the body. Based on the literature review, the relationship between smoking, including nicotine dependence, and the serum zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) status has not been studied sufficiently. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship of cigarette smoking, including the nicotine dependence state of the smokers, with serum Cu, Zn, and Mg concentrations. Subjects and Methods: Overall, 41 active smokers and 44 nonsmokers were investigated for serum Cu, Zn, and Mg concentrations; in addition to urinary cotinine/creatinine ratio. The eight-item Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) questionnaire has been used to determine the nicotine dependence status of the smokers. Results: A significant hypozincemia has been detected in 34.1% of the smokers versus 9.1% of nonsmokers, with a five-fold higher risk than nonsmokers. Moreover, a significant hypomagnesemia has been detected in 24.4% of the smokers, with 6.7 fold higher risk than the nonsmokers. The serum Cu concentrations of the smokers were significantly higher (102.4 ± 17.5 μg/dl) than the nonsmokers (70.7 ± 17.1 μg/dl), (P < 0.0001). Each 1 year decrease in the initial age of starting smoking was associated with an increase in the serum Cu concentration by 0.016 μg/dl. Each increase in the serum Cu concentration by 1 μg/dl was associated with a decrease in the serum Zn and Mg concentrations by 0.4 μg/dl and 4 μg/dl, respectively. Conclusion: Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for hypozincemia, hypomagnesemia, and high Cu concentrations regardless of the nicotine dependence status of the smokers. Early management of hypozincemia may be a preventive measure to decrease the incidence of the oxidative stress-induced diseases.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Gingival Pigmentation and Smoking

The abnormal deposition of melanin in the oral mucosa results in melanin pigmentation. The gingiva that has undergone keratinization is most affected. Gingival discoloration may be caused by physiologic or pathological reasons. Melanocytic lesions or melanocytic pigmentations induced by an excessive deposition of melanin in the basal and suprabasal layers of the epithelium are the most common pigmentations of the gingiva. Smoking has been associated to oral melanin pigmentation, particularly in the anterior gingiva. The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence is the most used instrument for assessing smoking addiction (FTND). The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) consists of six questions, with a distinct score assigned to each. Our study comprised 255 individuals over the age of 18 who were smokers, did not use drugs, did not have any systemic illnesses that could contribute to pigmentation, and did not have any active infectious infections. The Hedin scale was used to assess the pigmentation levels of the subjects. The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence was used to diagnose the kind of cigarette addiction exhibited by the subjects. Using the Fagerstrom questionnaire, we observed that pigmentation was more common as smoking tendency inreased.

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.

Epidemiology of tobacco use and nicotine dependence in truck drivers.

To investigate the epidemiology of tobacco use and nicotine dependence in a sample of truck drivers in Brazil. Between 2015 and 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 624 truck drivers who operate on the BR-050 highway in Brazil. Participants were interviewed about sociodemographic data, occupational characteristics, mental health, behavioral data, and tobacco use. Then, the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) was used to verify nicotine dependence in smoking truck drivers. Logistic regression and linear regression were also used to verify factors associated with tobacco use in the previous 30 days and nicotine dependence scores, respectively. The prevalence of tobacco use among truck drivers was 21.1% (n = 132;95%CI: 18.1-24.5). Of the total number of smokers who responded to the FTND (n = 118; 89.4%), most had high/very high nicotinic dependence (68.6%; 95%CI: 59.8-76.3). Tobacco use was associated with absence of religion (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.60; 95%CI: 1.35-5.01), employment relationship of the contract (AOR = 1.98; 95%CI: 1.26-3.13); > 12 hours daily working time (AOR = 1.80; 95%CI: 1.09-2.98) and alcohol use in the previous 30 days (AOR = 2.92; 95%CI: 1.86-4.57). Irregular physical activity was associated with higher scores of nicotine dependence (β = 1.87; 95%CI: 0.55-3.19). The results showed a high prevalence of tobacco use and high/very high nicotine dependence among the truck drivers.

Correlation between nicotine dependence and inflammatory biomarkers in Thai smokers: Eight weeks of synbiotic intervention

&lt;span&gt;Cigarette smoke contains thousands of man-made substances, and many may contribute to addiction and inflammation. This study examined the effect of synbiotics on the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) and inflammatory markers in Thai smokers. 14 smokers with a Nicotine Dependence Fagerstrom Test scores of 4 or higher and no pregnancy or lactation history participated in this study. We gave them surveys about the FTND and continued blood tests for Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lactulose and mannitol ratios (LMR), Quinolinic acid (QA), and 5-hydroindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) to record inflammatory marker levels and leaky gut information. Pearson's R-values for LPS and LMR were 0.444 and -0.465. FTND showed a positive correlation with LPS and a negative correlation with leaky gut, but both relationships were weak due to no correlation for LPS but leaky gut. The R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; of the LPS correlation coefficient was 0.197, p = 0.112, and the R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; of the leaky gut correlation was 0.217, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span&gt;p&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;span&gt; 0.001. FTND, LMR, and QA were significantly reduced, while 5-HIAA was elevated. Further investigation is needed to determine the association between smoking and inflammation. In conclusion, synbiotics improved FTND, gut permeability, and inflammation. &lt;/span&gt;

Adiponectin. rs266729 Polymorphism and Nicotine Dependence Interaction: Genetic Investigations on the Anxiety Susceptibility.

Nicotine dependence (ND)-induced anxiety might be modulated by genetic polymorphisms. The gene-by-environment interaction can be fitted into the diathesis-stress and differential susceptibility models. Nevertheless, knowledge of the interaction between adiponectin (ADPN) polymorphisms and ND on the incident mental disorder is currently scarce. This study aims to understand the role of ADPN rs266729 on anxiety in patients with ND while elucidating the psychology model and the various reactions across genotypes. We included 315 Chinese males with confirmed ND, measured using the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND). Anxiety was assessed using the Self-rating Anxiety Scale. Genomic DNA was extracted and genotyped from peripheral blood. Hierarchical regression models were used to test the interactions. There was a significant interaction between ADPN rs266729 and ND (β = -0.19, p < 0.05). The CC homozygote was more likely to be affected by ND-induced anxiety (β = 0.14, t = 4.43, p < 0.01). Re-parameterized regression models revealed that the interaction between ADPN rs266729 and ND could fit the strong differential susceptibility model (R2 = 0.05, p < 0.001). ADPN rs266729 was correlated with susceptibility to anxiety symptoms among male adults with ND and could fit the differential susceptibility model. The CC homozygote of rs266729 was a plasticity factor that increased anxiety symptoms in individuals with ND.