Level Of Nicotine Addiction Research Articles

Evaluation of the relationship between the level of addiction and exhaled carbon monoxide levels with QT dispersion in smokers.

INTRODUCTIONSmoking increases the risk of arrhythmia. QT dispersion (QTd) is an important indicator for the determination of ventricular arrhythmia. In this study, we aimed to determine the arrhythmia risk by evaluating QTd in smokers and to assess the relationship between the level of nicotine addiction and carbon monoxide (CO) level in the expiratory air.METHODSThis study was designed as a single-center, cross-sectional study. Among the chronic smokers referred to the Smoking Cessation Clinic of a tertiary hospital between October 2019 and January 2020, all those who had no risk factors for cardiac arrhythmias, except smoking, were included in the study. Sociodemographic data and smoking characteristics of the participants were collected and exhaled CO levels were measured. QT intervals were measured in all leads by using a 12-lead standard electrocardiogram (ECG), and heart rate corrected QT (QTc) intervals, QT dispersion (QTd), and corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) were calculated.RESULTSThe mean age of the 250 patients was 37.2±9.3 years and the majority of patients (65%) were male. The mean amount of smoking was 25.74±16.03 packs/year and the mean value of CO was 12.36±7.06 ppm. The mean QTd was 23.83±13.12 ms, and the mean QTcd was 26.63±15.02 ms. A statistically significant relationship was found between QTd and QTcd and level of addiction, consumption of sticks/day and packs/year, and exhaled CO values (all p<0.001).CONCLUSIONSIt was found that as the level of addiction, cigarette use amount, exhaled CO levels, and BMI increased in smokers, QT dispersion and arrhythmia risk increased.

VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL-RELATED MEASUREMENT SCALES AMONG LOW-INCOME MALAYSIAN SMOKER

Introduction: Tobacco is the only legal product that kills a large proportion of its consumers when used as intended by its manufacturer. The effect of nicotine as a driving substance on smoking has been established for decades. Still, very little is known on how the biopsychosocial determinants relationship affects levels of nicotine addiction in smokers, especially in the urban low-income population. The study aimed to validate measurement scales related to biopsychosocial factors that will be used in the future study to evaluate biopsychosocial components that influence nicotine addiction among urban poor smokers. Methods: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using the principal component analysis with varimax rotation and Kaiser normalization was used to assess the factor structure. Then, the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the unidimensionality, validity, and reliability of the latent construct. Results: EFA showed extraction of factors according to their original scales with all factor loading and communality's values were above 0.5. During CFA, factor loading less than 0.6 was deleted. Convergent validity verified by computing the Average Variance Extracted (AVE) for every construct range between 0.528 – 0.801. The Fitness Indexes achieved the required level (RMSEA=0.05, CFI=0.937, Chisq/df=1.7). Meanwhile, the Discriminant Validity Index range between 0.75-0.89, which is higher than the correlation coefficient value. Internal consistency assessed from Composite Reliability range between 0.714-0.965. Conclusion: The measurement scales are valid and reliable to assess the intended constructs among low-income male smokers in the urban area.

438 Pregnant smokers’ confidence in quitting is related to their level of nicotine addiction

Cigarette smoking in pregnancy negatively impacts maternal and fetal health. Smoking cessation improves pregnancy outcomes, but rates of successful cessation remain low. We investigated the links between socioeconomic factors, depression scores, nicotine addiction measured via Fagerström score with confidence in quitting smoking and motivation to quit. This is a study within a trial, conducted within the Smoking cessation Through Optimisation of clinical care in Pregnancy (STOP) pragmatic randomised controlled trial. This is an RCT of the use of a dedicated smoking cessation antenatal clinic. At time of randomisation, current smokers complete an extensive behavioural questionnaire which forms the basis for this analysis. Groups were compared using Kendall rank correlation coefficient and ordered logistic regression. 436 women were randomised to the trial, of which 275 completed the behavioural questionnaire appropriately. There is a significant inverse relationship between confidence in quitting and Fagerström score, τb =0.39, p<0.01, suggesting that greater addiction to nicotine is associated with less confidence in quitting. There was no correlation with motivation to quit. On an ordered logistic regression analysis, confidence in quitting correlates with spend per week on tobacco, having smoked in a previous pregnancy, and educational level achieved. There was no correlation between depression scores and either confidence or motivation to quit. Women who are more addicted to nicotine are less confident in quitting, however they remain motivated to quit. Their confidence in quitting is also affected by their education level and having smoked in a previous pregnancy, but not by depression. This information can help in targeting future clinical trials in smoking cessation for pregnant women.

Household Smoking Restrictions, Time to First Cigarette and Tobacco Dependence.

Objective Environmental factors, such as household smoking restrictions (HSR), may impact a range of smoking-related outcomes. The current study examined the effects of various levels of HSR on smoking behaviors, including the number of cigarettes smoked per day and levels of nicotine dependence in a population of adult smokers. (1) Having specific HSR reduces the urges to smoke (path A); (2) having specific HSR reduces CPD (path B); (3) having specific HSR results in lower overall nicotine addiction (path C), and later, TTFC will be associated with (4) lower urges to smoke in the morning (path A'), (5) fewer CPD (path B'), and (6) lower levels of nicotine addiction (path C'). Method Regression models using self-reported data from the Pennsylvania Adult Smoking Study (N = 353) were used. TTFC was measured minutes between waking and the first cigarette of the day. Household smoking restrictions were measured as follows: (1) full ban on smoking in the home, (2) partial ban, or (3) no ban. Results Subjects with no household smoking restrictions had lower incomes and education than those with at least some household smoking restrictions; those with full bans smoked less and had an earlier TTFC than those with at least some household smoking restrictions. Smokers with a full ban had a later TTFC, mediated by fewer cigarettes per day and lower cravings. Among those with partial bans, there is no reduction in cigarettes per day and an increase in urges to smoke. Conclusions Partial household smoking restrictions are no better than no household smoking restrictions with regard to cigarettes per day and TTFC, and may cause an increase in urges to smoke in the morning.

Sigara İçen ve İçmeyen Yetişkinlerin Ekspiryum Havasındaki Karbonmonoksit Düzeylerinin Bağımlılık Puanları ile İlişkisinin Değerlendirilmesi

Objectıve: Smoking; along with psychological factors and habits, it causes addiction in people. The level of smoking addiction is determined in clinical practices with the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). CO level measurement in expiratory air is frequently used today as a biomarker in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up stages of addiction. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the relationship between CO levels and FTND of smokers. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire was applied to smokers and healthy volunteers coming to the Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine Family Practice Clinic. 68 smoker patients and 60 non-smoker volunteers were included. Patients' sociodemographic characteristics, age of starting smoking, CO levels in expiratory air and FTND scores were recorded. The relationship between FTND scores and CO levels in expiratory air was investigated. Chi-square test was used to examine the comparison of categorical data. P value p&amp;lt;0,05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the individuals included in the scope of the study was 53.0±6.9 and 39.1% of them were women, 60.9% of them were men. There was a statistically significant difference was found between the participants' gender, age, occupational characteristics and marital status and smoking status. FNBT score of smokers was found to be 5.00 ± 2.44 points. The average number of cigarettes smoked/year was 31.00±17.87 years, the average number of cigarettes smoked per day was 20.00±8.76 and the average age to start smoking was 18.00±4.82. There was a positive correlation between the CO results and FTND scores (p≤0.001). There was a negative correlation between the CO results and FEV1/FVC scores(p≤0.001). Conclusıon: Among the scales that measure nicotine addiction level, FTND is the most used one in smoking cessation clinics today. In our study, there was a positive correlation between CO levels and FTND scores, which was found statistically significant. Measuring CO during patient follow-up is both an objective criterion for evaluating smoking cessation and enhances patient compliance. Therefore, CO levels can also be used as a guiding factor in determining the severity of cigarette addiction. Keywords: Addiction, Carbonmonoxide, Smoking.

Stosowanie substancji psychoaktywnych i poziom zasobów osobistych wśród mężczyzn z zaburzeniami depresyjnymi – badanie pilotażowe

Introduction: Many of the symptoms of depression in men can be placed in the category of other mental health problems, such as substance abuse. Personal resources are important factors that can have a positive impact on the treatment of people affected by depression. The aim of the study was to analyze the use of alcohol and nicotine and the level of personal resources among men diagnosed with depression. Material and methods: The test group consisted of 40 men diagnosed with depressive disorders (F31 — in the phase of depression, F32 and F33) treated in the 2nd Department of Psychiatry of the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology and 40 men from the control group. The study used: AUDIT Test, Fagerstrom Test, Emotion Control Scale, Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale and Life Satisfaction Scale. To ensure reliability that in the control group are only men without depression, an additional test for this group was added — Gotland Male Depression Scale (to exclude men with symptoms of depression in further analysis) and test with sociodemographic variables. Results: The level of nicotine and alcohol addiction did not differ significantly between the study group and the control group. The groups differed in the context of self-efficacy (p = 0.006) and the level of life satisfaction (p = 0.003). Men with depression assessed their mental health worse and had a lower sense of self-efficacy compared to the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups in the control of emotions and its components, and in the context of the assessment of physical health. Conclusions: The frequency of abuse of psychoactive substances by men with depression is similar to that in the control group. Men with depression are characterized by a lower sense of self-efficacy and life satisfaction. Therefore, psychological help addressed to this group of patients should be based on strengthening self-esteem.

Smoking characteristics and lung functions among university athletes

Cigarette smoking has negative effects on the respiratory system, particularly pulmonary functions. This study aimed to determine smoking prevalence and characteristics among university athletes. We conducted a cross-sectional study of Thammasat University athletes in Thailand from July to October 2018. Demographic and smoking data were recorded. Exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) levels and lung function data were analysed. A total of 433 subjects (56% men) were included. Mean age was 19.8 ± 1.3 years. Asthma was reported in 5.5%. The prevalence of current cigarette smoking was 23.8%. Tobacco use was 3.0 ± 3.2 cigarettes per day. The Fagerstrom score for nicotine dependence was 0.76 ± 1.47. Compared to non-smokers, smokers were predominately males (70.6% vs 29.4%, P < 0.001), had higher exhaled CO levels (3.75 ± 3.08 ppm vs 2.18 ± 0.73 ppm, P < 0.001), higher FVC (89.65 ± 17.61% vs 83.22 ± 15.72%, P = 0.001), higher FEV1 (92.60 ± 15.36% vs 87.77 ± 11.23%, P = 0.002), but lower FEV1/FVC (78.21 ± 5.38% vs 79.70 ± 5.60%, P = 0.015). Moreover, athletes who smoke, were more likely to: drink alcohol, have a family member who smokes, have a friend who smokes or have a university instructor who smokes. In conclusion, smoking prevalence among university athletes was relatively high, although low nicotine addiction level and good lung functions were found. Home and institute environments had important influences on cigarette use in students.Trial registration: TCTR20180917001

STAGES OF SMOKING CESSATION AMONG ADULT CURRENT SMOKERS IN MALAYSIA: FINDINGS FROM THE NATIONAL E-CIGARETTE SURVEY 2016

Identification of the stages of smoking cessation among smokers is essential to improve the rate of smoking cessation. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and factors associated with stages of smoking cessation across the demographic distribution of adult smokers in Malaysia. Data were derived from a population-based study among Malaysian adults aged 18 years and above. Face-to-face interviews were carried out by trained staff using a validated questionnaire to obtain data related to smoking from 4,288 selected respondents. Of 4,288, 438 respondents are current smokers. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with stage of smoking cessation. Approximately 60% (n=269/438) of the current smokers were in the pre-contemplation stage and 40% (n=169/438) were in the contemplation and preparation stages of smoking cessation. The proportion of pre-contemplators was higher among smokers with higher levels of nicotine addiction (71.3%), lower education attainment (71.4%), and those who were single/widowed/divorced (66.9%). Multivariable analysis showed that males, and those who reported low to high level of nicotine addiction were more likely to be in the pre-contemplation stage whilst those in the older age groups were more likely to be in the advanced stage of smoking cessation. The study revealed that the majority of current smokers in Malaysia had no intention to quit smoking within 6 months. Specific interventions targeting males, young adults and smokers with low to high nicotine addiction should be introduced to ensure the smokers proceed to the advanced stage of smoking cessation.

Time to First Cigarette: A Potential Clinical Screening Tool for Nicotine Dependence

The time to first cigarette (TTFC) of the day has been identified as the best single-item indicator of nicotine dependence. However, TTFC has not been extensively used in clinical settings and is not a criterion for tobacco use disorder, perhaps due to a lack of information about TTFC's predictive value. This review provides a synthesis of the accumulating literature on TTFC's relationships with nicotine dependence, identify gaps, and inform future clinical and epidemiologic research of potential uses of TTFC. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science ISI databases. We identified 16 articles examining the relation between TTFC and negative outcomes associated with high levels of nicotine addiction and Tobacco Use Disorders (eg, high levels of nicotine and toxicant exposure, progressive use over time, failed cessation, head-and-neck cancers). Earlier TTFC was consistently associated with greater likelihood of cessation failure and relapse, and higher levels of biomarkers of tobacco exposure. Several of these associations were found among both adult and adolescent smokers, and remained even after accounting for smoking behaviors (eg, cigarettes/day). Earlier TTFC is a key indicator of greater nicotine dependence. Knowledge of a smoker's TTFC may allow clinicians to accurately inform smokers of health risks and assign greater resources during cessation attempts. Smokers may be able to use TTFC to self-select cessation aids and accurately assess their unique smoking-related health risks. TTFC may be a better item than cigarettes/day for accurately quantifying dependence and risk in epidemiologic studies.

Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy and basic health education for tobacco cessation among adult tobacco users attending a private tobacco cessation center.

Background:India being major consumer of tobacco faces various problems involved for its cessation. Over the time enormous methods have been evolved which may aid in tobacco cessation.Materials and Methods:The present study was conducted among 100 adult tobacco users attending tobacco cessation clinic. The individuals where randomized into 2 counselling groups: Group A - Basic health education (BHE) and Group B Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Baseline evaluation of demographic parameters, smoking/smokeless behavior was recorded and Fagerstrom's test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was utilized to assess subjects’ nicotine addiction levels. Follow up was done at intervals of 2 weeks and 4 weeks to assess the reduction in the mean FTND score. Appropriate statistical test was utilized to evaluate the results.Results:The majority of individuals in the study were male in age group of 41-60 years. The reduction in mean FTND score was found in both Group A and B on follow-up. But when both groups were compared, reductions in mean Fagerstrom scores were found to be more in CBT group than in BHE group at all time intervals.Conclusion:Individuals in both the group have quit the tobacco use by both the interventions followed by proper schematic follow up.

Vernonia cinerea pastilles is effective for smoking cessation

Background and aimVernonia cinerea (VC) is a herb that can alleviate nicotine addiction, potentially aiding in smoking cessation. Previous studies have examined four-to eight-week treatments using VC, but have found it to be ineffective. This study aimed to evaluate the smoking cessation effects of VC in addicted smokers over a longer treatment duration with pastilles. Experimental procedureThis was a randomized double-blinded controlled trial conducted at a community pharmacy. The inclusion criteria were age between 18 and 60 years, intention to quit smoking, and low to moderate level of nicotine addiction. All eligible participants were stratified according to nicotine addiction level and then randomly assigned either VC treatment or placebo. The VC group received two pastilles three times daily, while the control group received a placebo for 12 weeks. The outcomes were continuous abstinence rate (CAR) and point abstinence rate (PAR) at four and 12 weeks. ResultsThere were 121 eligible participants; 10 participants were not willing to participate. In total, there were 111 eligible participants, 54 of whom were treated with VC (48.65%) and 57 of whom were given a placebo (51.35%). Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The VC group had a significantly higher chance of smoking cessation at 2.01 (95% CI of 1.03, 3.92) compared with the placebo group at the end of the study. There were no significant side effects in either group. ConclusionThe VC pastille group had significantly higher CAR than the placebo group at week 12.

SAĞLIK PROFESYONELLERİNDE SİGARA İÇİCİLİĞİ İLE FİZİKSEL AKTİVİTE ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİNİN İNCELENMESİ

Purpose: Smoking and physical inactivity are two major health problems that concern the public. Although the relationship between physical activity level and smoking status is defined in different study groups, this relationship is not clearly defined in health care professionals who are thought to be a guide for community health. Therefore, our study aimed to examine the relationship between smoking and physical activity level in healthcare professionals. Methods: A total of 193 healthcare professionals (median age; 38 [interquartile range-IQR; 34-45] years, body mass index; 24 [IQR; 21-27] kg/m2), 102 smokers and 91 non-smokers, who worked in an educational research hospital, participated in the study. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Smoking history was taken in the smoker group, and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence was administered to determine the nicotine addiction level. Results: The demographics of the groups were similar (p>0.05). Walking activity, moderate physical activity and total physical activity scores were significantly lower in smokers than non-smokers (p<0.001, p=0.021, and p=0.001, respectively). The total physical activity score in the smoking group was showed a moderate negative correlation with the nicotine dependence and the amount of cigarette consumption (r=-0.462 and r=-0.483, respectively, p<0.05). Conclusion: The level of physical activity in smokers' health professionals was found to be low. As the amount of cigarette consumption and nicotine dependence increases, the level of physical activity decreases. In this crucial population, further studies should be undertaken to improve both smoking cessation and physical activity.

Poziom uzależnienia od nikotyny oraz motywacja do zaprzestania palenia tytoniu wśród młodych dorosłych – studentów regionu świętokrzyskiego

Wprowadzenie. Palenie tytoniu dotyczy ponad miliarda osób na całym świecie, a w Polsce ok. 26% populacji. Jest poważnym problemem medycznym oraz społecznym, który prowadzi do uzależnienia oraz wielu chorób przewlekłych.Cel pracy. Analiza problemu uzależnienia od tytoniu i motywacji do rzucenia palenia wśród młodych dorosłych oraz ocena uwarunkowań społeczno-demograficznych tych zjawisk, które są istotne podczas podejmowania działań interwencyjno-profilaktycznych.Materiał i metody. Badaniem objęto grupę 143 młodych dorosłych aktualnie palących papierosy, wybranych spośród 600 studentów z regionu świętokrzyskiego. W badaniu zastosowano: kwestionariusz ankiety własnego opracowania, Test Motywacji do Zaprzestania Palenia według Schneider oraz Test Uzależnienia od Nikotyny autorstwa Fagerströma.Wyniki. Silne uzależnienie od nikotyny wykazuje 17,5% badanych, a niski poziom motywacji do rzucenia palenia – 36,4%. Wiek, płeć, miejsce zamieszkania i samoocena zdrowia badanych nie mają związku z poziomem uzależnienia i motywacją do rzucenia palenia (p > 0,05). Osoby silniej uzależnione mają niższy poziom motywacji do rzucenia palenia (p < 0,05).Wnioski. Wśród badanych młodych dorosłych najczęściej obserwowano cechy uzależnienia behawioralnego. Niepokojące są jednak dość liczne przypadki uzależnienia silnego i niskiej motywacji do rzucenia palenia. Podstawowe cechy uzależnienia od nikotyny w badanej grupie to konieczność palenia tuż po przebudzeniu oraz duża ilość wypalanych papierosów dziennie. Poziom motywacji do rzucenia palenia zależy od siły uzależnienia od nikotyny. Poprawa stanu zdrowia i ochrona przed chorobami zależnymi od tytoniu wymaga podjęcia działań profilaktycznych w jak najwcześniejszych okresach życia człowieka.

Evaluation of the relationship between perception of tobacco packaging pictorial warnings and the nicotine addiction levels of smokers who admitted to smoking cessation clinic in Malatya, Turkey

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate relationship between perception of tobacco packaging pictorial warnings and the nicotine addiction levels of smokers who admitted to smoking cessation clinic in Malatya, Turkey. Methods: Three hundred fifty-six patients were enrolled from the Malatya State Hospital Smoking Cessation Clinic. The characteristics of the patients, and number of cigarettes smoked were evaluated. The Fagerström test for nicotine dependence was used. Fourteen of the best-known and most effective pictorial health warnings on cigarette packages were shown and evaluated. Results: The two best-known pictorial warnings in both male and female participants were pictorial 6, “Smoke contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde, and hydrogen cyanide” and pictorial 7, “Smoking causes fatal lung cancer”. The third best-known pictorial warning for female was pictorial 4, “Smokers die younger,” and for male it was pictorial 1, “Smoking may reduce blood flow and causes impotence”. Female were most affected by pictorial 11, “Protect children; don’t make them breathe your smoke’’, and male were most affected bypictorial 1, “Smoking may reduce blood flow and causes impotence” (p &amp;lt; 0.043 and p = 0.01, respectively). Fagerström scores compared with pictures mostly known and affected by participants, the highest and lowest scores belongs to same pictures; the highest Fagerström score was 8.29 ± 2.14 for best known and 8.25 ± 2.19 for most affected picture is number 2; the lowest Fagerström score was 6.46 ± 2.55 for best known and 6.56 ± 2.68 for most affected picture is number 3. Conclusion: The effect of pictures about the decision to quit smoking may be investigated by a qualitative study especially for pictures 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 11.

A pilot study of the Tobacco Treatment Guidelines for High-Risk Groups (TOB-G) for pregnant and postpartum women.

INTRODUCTIONMaternal smoking constitutes a significant risk to the fetus and is associated with multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes. Despite this, an estimated 6–19% of women in Europe smoke during pregnancy. We conducted a pilot study to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of the clinical practice recommendations of the 2017 Tobacco Cessation Guidelines for High-Risk Groups (TOB-G) for pregnant and postpartum women in an outpatient obstetrics setting.METHODSThe guideline recommendations were tested on a sample of 67 pregnant women recruited from obstetrics outpatient visits. Pregnant women who smoked received three behavioural counselling sessions through a combination of face-toface and telephone consultations by a midwife trained in the TOBG tobacco treatment recommendations. Smoking status was assessed at 1 month and at 6 months follow-up via self-report.RESULTSSeventy-one per cent of pregnant smokers screened agreed to participate in the counselling intervention. Pregnant women participants (mean age, M=31.73 years, SD±6.09) smoked for an average of 12.2 (SD±6.55) years. Women reported smoking an average of 4.82 (SD±4.14) cigarettes per day with 51% reporting smoking within 30 minutes of waking, an indicator of higher levels of nicotine addiction. Rates of smoking abstinence among pregnant women undergoing the counselling intervention were 43.9% and 45.6% at the 1 month and at 6 months follow-up, respectively. Replacing those participants with missing data as smokers, the quit rates were 26.9% and 38.8% at the 1 month and 6 months follow-up, respectively.CONCLUSIONSThe counselling intervention delivered to pregnant women who smoke was feasible to implement in a manner that was consistent with the TOB-G guideline recommendations in an outpatient obstetrics setting. Future work should focus on increasing uptake of evidence-based tobacco treatment recommendations in outpatient obstetrics settings.

Psychological Features of Smokers.

Smoking tobacco is believed to be common among patients with psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and affective disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychological symptoms of people without known psychiatric diseases who have freely decided to quit smoking. A cross-sectional study was designed, and 124 healthy active-smokers (66 female) and 127 healthy non-smokers (61 female) were recruited. The symptom check list and Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) were used to assess psychological symptoms and nicotine addiction level. Smokers were divided into 3 groups: light smokers (0-9 cigarettes/d), moderate smokers (10-19 cigarettes/d), and heavy smokers (> 20 cigarettes/d). When subjects were compared by daily levels of cigarette consumption, somatic findings were more prominent in the mild smoker group (1.61 ± 0.72 vs 0.77 ± 0.56, P < .001), while depression and hostility were similar across all groups. When subjects were compared by nicotine addiction ratio, the general symptom index of the group with high-grade nicotine addiction was found to be significantly higher than that of the control group (1.34 ± 0.72 vs 0.79 ± 0.49, P < .001). In addition, the high-grade nicotine addiction group had higher scores than the other groups for somatization, anxiety, depression, paranoid symptoms, hostility, and other symptoms. This study examined the association between psychological symptoms and smokers' daily cigarette consumption and nicotine addiction levels. Psychiatric symptoms (ie, somatization, anxiety, depression, hostility, and paranoia) were observed more frequently in people with high-grade nicotine addiction (FTND score 7-10 points).

Smoking Topography among Korean Smokers: Intensive Smoking Behavior with Larger Puff Volume and Shorter Interpuff Interval.

The difference of smoker’s topography has been found to be a function many factors, including sex, personality, nicotine yield, cigarette type (i.e., flavored versus non-flavored) and ethnicity. We evaluated the puffing behaviors of Korean smokers and its association with smoking-related biomarker levels. A sample of 300 participants was randomly recruited from metropolitan areas in South Korea. Topography measures during a 24-hour period were obtained using a CReSS pocket device. Korean male smokers smoked two puffs less per cigarette compared to female smokers (15.0 (13.0–19.0) vs. 17.5 (15.0–21.0) as the median (Interquartile range)), but had a significantly larger puff volume (62.7 (52.7–75.5) mL vs. 53.5 (42.0–64.2) mL); p = 0.012). The interpuff interval was similar between men and women (8.9 (6.5–11.2) s vs. 8.3 (6.2–11.0) s; p = 0.122) but much shorter than other study results. A dose-response association (p = 0.0011) was observed between daily total puff volumes and urinary cotinine concentrations, after controlling for sex, age, household income level and nicotine addiction level. An understanding of the difference of topography measures, particularly the larger puff volume and shorter interpuff interval of Korean smokers, may help to overcome a potential underestimation of internal doses of hazardous byproducts of smoking.

NICOTINE DEPENDENCE LEVEL OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS RELATING TO TYPE OF EDUCATION AND GENDER

Smoking is an increasingly important public health problem because of the health problems it causes. We aimed to investigate whether there is a relationship between nicotine addiction level, education type and gender in vocational school of health services students who smoke in the study. This descriptive study was conducted with first and second year university students studying in various associate degree programs in health field. In the study, questionnaire forms were used to determine sociodemographic conditions prepared with scientific support as data collection tool. Nicotine dependence was determined by the Fagerstrom nicotine dependence test (FNBT). A total of 72 students attending 34 daytime education and 38 nighttime education courses participated in the research. 47 of the participants were female(% 65.3) and 25 (%34.7) male. In our study, 57 of the students are between the ages of 17-20 and the remaining 15 are over 21 years old. 29 of the participants in the study were low-level addicts, 34 were moderately addicts, and 9 were high-level nicotine addicts. When the inter-gender dependency levels are examined, 58.8% of the female students and 41.2% of the male students are moderately addicted. 52.6% of evening education students are moderately dependent, 41.2% of daytime education students are moderately and lowly dependent. There was no statistically significant difference between gender, type of education and nicotine addiction. There was no significant difference between the level of dependence, education type and gender in nicotine dependence level study using FNBT. The addiction rate was also higher for women. Most of the students who had nighttime learning were mostly moderate nicotine addicts.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF METHODS OF GROUPED PSYCHO-CORRECTIVE WORK ON FORMATION OF MOTIVATION FOR QUITTING SMOKING BY PERSONS WITH THE FIRST DIAGNOSED CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Resume. Introduction: To date, COPD remains one of the leading health problems. The main risk factor for COPD is smoking, which is diagnosed in 80-90% of cases. Study objective is to assess the effectiveness of methods of grouped psycho-corrective work on formation of motivation for quitting smoking among persons with the first diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods and materials: In the course of the study, we made up a group of patients at high risk of developing COPD using the original questionnaire developed on the basis of GOLD questionnaires (2012, 2015) and Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 555 dated June 27, 2013, depending on the severity of clinical manifestations of respiratory symptoms and COPD risk factors. A degree of nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerstrom test, and the motivation for quitting smoking – against the answers in the smoking assessment form. It was found that 79 patients (58.1%) examined with spirography tests and presented less than 70% decrease of Tiffeneau index (FEV1/FVC) were those first diagnosed COPD. The next stage of our study was a group of psycho-corrective work on the formation of motivation to terminate smoking. Study outcomes: 53 (67.1%) patients of those first diagnosed COPD were smokers, including 7 (8.9%) former smokers. Therefore, according to our data, smoking should be considered one of the main COPD factors among those who consider themselves healthy. The Fagerstrom test was followed by a analysis COPD patients, which revealed that the majority of patients (34 subjects, 74%) first diagnosed COPD had a high level of nicotine addiction. We determined a motivation for quitting smoking among COPD patients according to the smoking assessment form - 27 subjects (58%) wanted to quit smoking to a certain and great extent, 4 subjects (9%) did not want at all. Therefore, despite the high level of nicotine addiction, it was established that subjects with verified first diagnosed COPD demonstrated the desire to quit smoking significantly more often (p = 0.01). Among a variety of methods of nicotine addiction treatment, we chose a grouped psycho-corrective work on formation of motivation for quitting smoking. The objective of the psychological training was to raise mindful motivation to quit smoking, which would contribute to complete or partial refusal of smoking. It should be noted that despite a high degree of nicotine addiction and considerable interest of smokers and those who know about the COPD diagnosis, only 13 subjects gave a consent for taking part in the training (28.3%). After conducting two sessions of psycho-corrective work on formation of motivation for quitting smoking, 3 (23.1%) participants of the training reported complete refusal from smoking. The intention to make further attempts of quitting this habit was expressed by the majority of participants of the training - 12 subjects (92.3%). Conclusion. Thus, the overall outcome of the work performed may be assessed rather high. Our hypothesis that raising a mindful motivation to quit tobacco smoking would contribute to complete or partial refusal to smoke proved to be true.

The comparison of insulin levels between over weighted and non-obese smokers

Cardiovasculer diseases are the most common reason for morbidity and mortality in the world. Smoking and obesity are among the most important avoidable reasons for these diseases. However, in Turkey, there are not enough studies about the effect of obesity (central and androgenic) on insulin levels of smokers. With this aim; oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed on 84 patients who meet the study criteria among 211 patients treated at the second internal diseases clinic of Taksim Hospital between November 1997 and May 1998, who were volunteers, smokers and older than 18. In addition, the total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglicerid levels of these patiens were checked. Heights, weights and waist circumferences of patients were measured. From these datas, body mass indexes (BMI) and waist circumferences (WC) were calculated. Nicotine addiction levels of patients were evaluated by Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependency Test (FNDT) and package/year amounts were calculated. According to the results based on the data obtained from the studies, no difference were determined (p>0.05), in ages, FNDT scores, insulin, TC, LDL and HDL levels between overweighted and normal weighted patients. On the other hand; there was statistically significant difference between two groups in BMI values, WC measurements (between different genders) and TG levels. In the regression analysis; BMI [OR: 1.512, (95% CI min=0.928, max=2.069)] and WC [OR: 1.912, (95% CI min=1.051, max=2.125)] was founded as a risk factor for the insulin increment. Additional information about the subject for the large participation cross-sectional studies. More action about life style modification (smoking cessation and an effective weight control) may increase risk of cardiovascular diseases in populations.