Level Of Nicotine Addiction Research Articles

Addiction among high school students: determination of nicotine, substance, game, and internet addiction levels

ABSTRACT Aim The aims of this study were to determine the levels of cigarette smoking, psychoactive substances, game, and internet addiction among high school students and to examine whether addictions show a significant difference according to some socio-demographic variables and the relationships between addiction types. Method A total of 530 high school students studying in Turkey, agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Sociodemographic Questionnaire (which contains DSM-V categories of addictive substances), Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Game Addiction Scale (GAS), and Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Results Approximately 1.9% of the respondents were smokers and 0.8% were inhalant users. Respondents scored 7.43 ± 2.88 on FTND, 13.92 ± 5.57 on the GAS, and 43.44 ± 18.80 on the IAT. Male respondents received a higher average score on the GAS than female respondents, and female respondents received a higher average score on the IAT than male respondents. As body mass index increased, a statistically significant, positive and moderate correlation was found between GAS scores and IAT scores. Conclusion Addictions are becoming more and more widespread and measures, information, and research should be increased and young people should be educated about addictions.

Tobacco use profile among COVID-19 infected adults and clinical disease spectrum in Qatar during the early pandemic

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the tobacco use profile among COVID-19-infected adult smokers, to assess the nicotine addiction level, and its impact on the disease progression and outcome in Qatar during the early pandemic. Design A cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2020 and May 2021. Setting Electronic medical records from Qatar’s National Health Information System under the Communicable Disease Center. Participants All confirmed COVID-19-infected adults who could communicate in English and Arabic were randomly selected and invited to participate in a telephone survey. Result Among 576 subjects, 118 (20.48%) had a smoking history, with 76.3% being current tobacco smokers and 23.7% former smokers. Current smokers were predominantly male (93.3%), single (51.1%), and highly educated (80%). Cigarette smoking was prevalent among 66.4% of current smokers, with 49.3% smoking ten or fewer cigarettes daily and 71% having low nicotine dependence. In addition, many cigarette users smoked more than one tobacco product during the pandemic. Among COVID-19-infected smokers, 75.6% were symptomatic, and highly nicotine-addicted individuals experienced more hospitalizations, including ICU admissions, with all deaths occurring in this group. Conclusion This research concludes that deaths and poor health outcomes were more frequent among COVID-19-infected smokers. Prioritizing smokers for vaccination and promoting cessation is critical.

Evaluation of a smoking cessation program for adults with severe mental illness in a public mental health service.

Smoking rates have decreased in the general population but remain high among people with severe mental illness (SMI). An individualized smoking cessation program was tested with 99 adults with SMI. The program showed it is possible to help people with SMI smoke fewer cigarettes and reduce nicotine addiction. Customized smoking cessation programs are essential for those with high nicotine dependence and mental health challenges. Mental health services should offer tailored tobacco cessation programs because these programs can improve the health of people with mental illness who smoke. It is important for mental health services to follow government guidelines and provide evidence-based support. INTRODUCTION: Despite significant reductions in smoking rates in the general population over recent decades, smoking rates remain relatively unchanged among people with SMI. To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the Keep Quitting in Mind pilot program, an individualized smoking cessation program for people experiencing SMI. In total, 99 adult participants with SMI and engaged with a community mental health service, participated in the intervention. The intervention included motivational interviewing and goal setting, in addition to provision of pharmaceutical aids (including nicotine replacement therapy). Analysis determined that the Keep Quitting in Mind pilot program was feasible in a public adult mental health service and participation in the program was associated with reductions in the number of cigarettes smoked daily and level of nicotine addiction. This real-world pilot program demonstrated feasibility and potential effectiveness in reducing smoking among adults with mental illness. Aligning with government guidelines, tailored smoking cessation programs are crucial due to high nicotine dependence and mental health complexities. Given the high rates of cigarette smoking by people with mental illness and the cardiometabolic health risks associated with this, mental health services should consider adding evidence-based and bespoke tobacco cessation programs as part of core business.

Comparison of Prenatal Attachment Levels in Smoking and Non-Smoking Pregnant Women

Objective: This study aimed to compare prenatal attachment levels between smoker and non-smoker pregnant women. Method: In this comparative-descriptive study, a total of 160 pregnant women (80 smokers-80 non-smokers), who were between 18-35 years of age, had their first pregnancy, were at or above 20 weeks of gestation, and had no chronic health problems or communication problems, among the pregnant women who applied to Family Health Centers for pregnancy follow-up. The data were collected using a Participant Screening Form, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, Prenatal Attachment Inventory. Results: Although there was no significant difference, it was determined that the attachment scores of non-smokers were higher than those of smokers. A negative correlation was found between nicotine addiction levels and mother-infant attachment levels of pregnant smokers. Bivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the effect of smoking during pregnancy on prenatal mother-infant attachment (Odds Ratio=0.010; p=0.999) was insignificant. Conclusion: Although the effect of smoking during pregnancy on prenatal attachment was insignificant, it was revealed that the nicotine addiction of pregnant women who smoked during pregnancy reduced prenatal attachment. Strengthening prenatal attachment may be a promising new approach to interventions for smoking cessation during pregnancy. At the same time, not smoking during pregnancy can strengthen prenatal attachment.

LEVELS OF NICOTINE ADDICTION IN CONSUMERS OF THE LATEST TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Aim. Determining the level of nicotine addiction in consumers of the latest tobacco products.
 Materials and Methods. We have surveyed 817 young people (from 18 to 45 years of age) living in Lviv region. Among them, two focus groups were distinguished: 96 respondents who indicated that they use electronic cigarettes with nicotine (ECN) for smoking and 93 respondents who indicated that they use tobacco products for electric heating (TPEHs). The Fagerstr?m test for determining nicotine addiction was used for the survey. The study uses the methods of structural-logical analysis, system approach and analysis, calculation of average and relative values, correlation analysis.
 Results and Discussion. The average score of nicotine addiction for TPEH smokers (4.00 (2.00; 6.00) points) is higher (p>0.05) than for classic cigarette smokers (3.00 (1.00; 6.00) points) and ECN smokers (3.00 (1.00; 5.00) points). Regarding classic cigarette smokers and ECN smokers, the median nicotine addiction score is higher in men, whereas in TPEH smokers it is the same for both men and women. About a quarter of the surveyed TPEH smokers (23.66± 4.41%) have a high level of nicotine addiction. Regarding male smokers, the largest share of individuals with a high level of nicotine addiction is observed in the group of TPEH smokers - more than a third (36.36±7.25%) of men in this group. The greatest number of women with a high level of nicotine dependence is observed among smokers of ECN, namely a quarter of the surveyed respondents of this group (25.93±5.96%).
 Conclusions. The findings of the study will be used in the development of a model for preventing the spread of the latest methods of tobacco consumption among the young population.

The prevalence of smoking among soldiers of the gendarmerie in a provincial center and affecting factors: A cross-sectional study from Turkey*

Determining the smoking rates and nicotine dependency levels of soldiers can be a guide in smoking cessation interventions and developing a policy for smoking prevention for soldiers serving in military units. The cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 313 soldiers stationed in gendarmerie units in a city center in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey. Data were collected between 01.06.2021 and 31.07.2021 by face-to-face interview technique using Personal Information Form and Fagerström Nicotine Addiction Test. It was determined that 54.6% of the participants smoked, 87.1% had low-moderate nicotine addictions, and 94.9% were smokers in their friends’ circle. It was revealed that the prevalence of smoking among the participants was high, and the nicotine addiction levels of the participants working in the “Prison” unit were higher.

Factors associated with quitting among smoking cessation medication-assisted smokers and ex-smokers: A cross-sectional study in Australia

Effective smoking cessation medications (SCM) are available and are recommended for the treatment of tobacco smoking. In this study, we evaluated rate and factors associated with successful quitting among individuals who supported their quit attempt using SCMs in Australia. An observational online cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sample of smokers and ex-smokers in Australia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate socio-demographic, psychological, smoking, and medication use characteristics. The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence scale was used to assess the level of nicotine addiction. Logistic regression used to identify factors associated with smoking cessation. Of the 201 respondents, 33.3% had successfully quit smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), varenicline, and bupropion were used by 71.6%, 19.9%, and 8.5% respectively. The rate of quitting was 30.6%, 47.5%, and 23.5% for participants who used NRT, varenicline, and bupropion, respectively. Six in ten (59.6%) of the participants who were adherent to SCMs reported continuous abstinence. Whereas 22.9% reported quitting among participants who were nonadherent to SCMs. Adherence to SCMs was significantly associated with increased rate of quitting (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI of 1.17–6.10). Additionally, having smoke-free home was associated with successful smoking cessation (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI of 1.13–4.90). In conclusion, one in three participants self-reported that they successfully quit smoking. Adherence to SCMs and smoke-free home were strongly associated with quitting. Smoking cessation programs and future studies are recommended to incorporate medication adherence as a core component. Home-targeted and family-inclusive interventions are recommended to manage smoke-free homes and enhance success of quitting attempts.

Nicotine addiction in pre-hospital emergency care workers in Turkey: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Objective This study aims to determine the smoking prevalence and nicotine addiction in pre-hospital emergency care workers. Methods The study, conducted between March-April 2022 with the participation of 318 pre-hospital care workers, is cross-sectional. To determine the participants’ nicotine addiction levels, the participants the Fagerström Nicotine Addiction Test (FNAT) was used. For statistical analyses, correlation, chi-square, student’s t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. The statistical significance level was accepted as p < .05. Results While 53.0% Of The Study Group Used To Smoke, 9.1% Thought That Smoking Was Not harmful to health. The mean FNAT score of the smoking group was 5.04 ± 2.92. Men’s FNAT scores (p < .05) were higher for those over the age of 40 than for those under 40 than women (p < .05). In the comparison made according to the participants’ occupations, the most smoking group was physicians (p < .05). The group with the highest addiction score among smokers was nurses (p < .05). A positive correlation was found between the years of employment in the sector and the FNAT scores of smokers (r = 0.146, p < .05). Conclusion Pre-hospital emergency care workers had a much higher smoking prevalence and nicotine addiction than the medical staff in other units.

E-Cigarette Users' Profiles and Their Association with Identified Impacts of COVID-19 on Vaping among Young Adults in Malaysia.

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) users' profiles and behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic remain unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore Malaysian EC users' profiles and their associations with related behaviors during the pandemic. The EC users (N = 351) were recruited from an official national vape entity. Respondents were predominantly of Malay ethnicity (90.6%), aged 31 to 35 years (27.6%), males (97.7%), married (68.7%), from Malaysia's west region states (63.5%) and tertiary educated (69.2%). The majority (80.3%) were non-dual users, and most purchased their vaping products online (77.2%), liked that they can vape while working at home (83.8%) and vaped more because of boredom (55.3%), had low and moderate nicotine addiction levels (94.9%), had low motivation level to quit EC use (92.6%) and were more likely to perceive that vaping did not increase the chances of complications from COVID-19. Respondents with moderate to high addiction levels had twice the odds of checking on their current EC supplies, whilst respondents with low motivation to quit had higher odds of using their tank/pod until the last drop and distancing from others when vaping. EC users should be encouraged to quit EC use, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Tobacco Addiction: Clinical and Social Characteristics in a Large Sample of Tobacco Smokers

Background: Several scientific studies indicate that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a risk factor for the development of pathological addiction, including Tobacco Use Disorder (TUD). Despite various hypotheses proposed to explain the reasons for this frequent comorbidity, the limited amount of research aimed at describing the characteristics of this population restricts our understanding of the nature of this relationship. Aims: The purpose of our descriptive and retrospective study is to examine the differences between a group of tobacco users with suspected ADHD and those without it, with respect to socio-demographic characteristics, factors related to tobacco addiction, alcohol consumption, past and current use of illicit substances, and comorbid psychiatric symptoms. Methods: A total of 1166 smokers who were referred to the Addiction Medicine Unit of the University Hospital in Verona between 2015 and 2021 were selected. Users for whom it was not possible to obtain all the necessary information were excluded from the sample. The remaining participants were divided into two groups based on their scores on an ADHD screening test. The group that scored negatively on the screening test (n = 964) was then compared to the group that scored positively on the same test (n = 114). Results: Statistically significant differences emerged between the two groups. Specifically, users in the positive group were found to be more likely to have the marital statuses of "Single" and "Separated/Divorced," as well as the occupational statuses of "Unemployed," "Student," "Teacher," "Housework," "Casual Worker," "Worker," and "Artisan/Trader." They also exhibited a higher level of nicotine addiction and reported an increase in smoking in the last 12 months. Furthermore, they had a history of both previous and current use of illicit substances and higher overall levels of anxious and depressive symptoms, regardless of gender. Conclusion: Several factors related to sociodemographic characteristics, smoking behavior, past and current use of illicit substances, and current levels of anxiety and depression could potentially mediate the relationship between ADHD and TUD. Clinicians involved in smoking cessation treatments should take comorbidity with adult ADHD into consideration.

Agreement between the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND) and the heaviness of smoking index (HSI) for assessing the intensity of nicotine dependence among daily smokers.

Measuring the level of nicotine addiction among smokers is an integral part of enhancing smoking cessation as nicotine dependence is one of the barriers to smoking cessation. In this study, we compared the level of agreement between FTND and HSI in detecting high nicotine dependence among daily smokers. We collected data from participants of a public smoking cessation clinic in Selangor. A trained pharmacist conducted face-to-face interviews with 152 daily smokers using a structured validated questionnaire. Respondents were classified as having high nicotine dependence using both the HSI (score ≥4) and the FTND (score ≥6), and concordance between the two measures, kappa statistics and sensitivity, specificity of the HSI were then determined with the FTND classification as the reference standard. The HSI had a substantial agreement with the FTND (Cohen's kappa=0.72) in measuring high levels of nicotine addiction, with good sensitivity (83.3%) and specificity (89.4%). The findings suggest that the HSI can be used instead of the FTND in clinical-based investigations to screen for high nicotine dependence among daily smokers in the clinical setting.

Evaluation of factors affecting smoking cessation in people treated with Varenicline

Objective: Aim of the study is to evaluate factors affecting treatment success among individuals receiving varenicline therapy for smoking cessation. Material and Methods: This research was carried out at Istanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Training and Research Hospital between January 2018 and January 2019. A total of 209 patients in the smoking cessation outpatient clinic who were treated with varenicline Varenicline were constituted into the study group. The Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Level Test (FTND) was used to determine individuals' nicotine addiction levels, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to evaluate anxiety and depression levels. Results: There were 90 (43.1%) women and 119 (56.9%) men in the study group and mean age was 41.34 ± 10.93 (21-64) years. Overall, 63.2% (n=132) of varenicline recipients quit smoking. The frequency of quitting smoking due to physician advice was higher in those who quit than those who did not (p=0.011). Multiple logistic regression revealed that the independent factors associated with the lower likelihood of smoking cessation were higher number of cigarettes per day (p=0.008), higher HADS-Total score (p&lt;0.001), post-treatment nervousness (p=0.046), and post-treatment depressive mood (p=0.007), whereas being able to remain smoke-free for longer periods in previous quitting attempts was associated with higher likelihood of success (p=0.005). Conclusion: The success of smoking cessation with varenicline therapy is lower in the presence of the following factors: having high risk for anxiety and depression, smoking a greater number of cigarettes per day, shorter periods of remaining smoke-free in previous quitting attempts, and experiencing nervousness during withdrawal. Receiving physician advice to quit also appears to increase the chance of quitting smoking. Keywords: Smoking; Smoking Cessation; Smoking Cessation Agents; Varenicline; Anxiety; Depression

Sigara İçen Ergenlerde Masa Oyunu ve Tütün Bırakma Eğitiminin Nikotin Bağımlılığı Üzerine Etkisinin Karşılaştırılması

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a board game and tobacco cessation education on nicotine addiction in adolescent smokers. Material and Methods: This randomized controlled study included 103 adolescents who declared to smoke at least one cigarette per day. For data collection, sociodemographic data form, Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence, and stages of change scale were used. The study groups consisted of three intervention groups; board game, tobacco cessation education, and the combined use of these two interventions, and a control group. All interventions were compared with the control group. Follow-ups were conducted at baseline, 8th, and 12th week. Results: While 38.8% (n=40) of all participants were addicted to nicotine at a very low level, 6.8% (n=7) were very high. 37.9% (n=39) of the participants reported smoking the first cigarette of the day within the first 5 minutes. Groups had an effect on the nicotine addiction level of adolescents (p=0.031), while there was no significant difference for the period, and period*group interaction (p=0.472 and p=0.339, respectively). The difference was due to the board game group. In the post evaluation, three of the adolescents who played board games and two of the adolescents who received tobacco cessation training were in the action phase. Conclusion: The results showed that the board game group participants had a decrease in the level of nicotine addiction. Our suggestion is to use and disseminate games as an alternative method that will attract the attention of adolescents in tobacco cessation education.

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

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

Dopamine DRD2 and DRD3 Polymorphisms Involvement in Nicotine Dependence in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Mental Disorders.

Patients affected by mental disorders smoke more than the general population. The reasons behind this habit are genetic, environmental, etc. This study aims to investigate the correlations between some polymorphisms and the smoking habits and nicotine dependence in patients with psychiatric disorders. We recruited 88 patients with treatment-resistant mental disorders, including 35 with major depressive disorder, 43 with bipolar spectrum disorder, and 10 with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. We carried out a clinical and psychometric assessment on current smoking habits, years of smoking, number of daily cigarettes, and level of nicotine addiction. The patients performed a peripheral blood sample for DNA analyses of different polymorphisms. We searched for correlations between the measures of nicotine addiction and analysed genotypes. The expression of the T allele of the DRD2 rs1800497 and DRD3 rs6280 polymorphisms significantly correlated with a lower level of nicotine dependence and lower use of cigarettes. We did not find significant correlations between nicotine dependence and OPRM1 rs1799971, COMT rs4680 and rs4633 polymorphisms, CYP2A6 rs1801272 and rs28399433, or 5-HTTLPR genotype. Concluding, DRD2 rs1800497 and DRD3 rs6280 polymorphisms are involved in nicotine dependence and cigarette smoking habits in patients with treatment-resistant mental disorders

The evaluation of the relationship between childhood traumas and smoking addiction

Introduction. Data about the relationship between childhood traumas and cigarette smoking are scarce. In this study, the relationship between childhood abuse and smoking addiction was evaluated in adults. Material and methods. This research was carried out with the participation of 216 individuals (82 [38%] women and 134 [62%] men) over the age of 18 who applied to the Family Medicine Out-patient Clinics of a tertiary hospital. They were asked to answer the socio-demographic questions as well as the questionnaire forms containing the Fagerström Nicotine Addiction Test (FNAT) and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Results. The median age at which men start smoking was significantly lower than that of women (17 vs. 19 years; p = 0.007). Men have higher rates of physical neglect than women (p = 0.001). No significant difference was found between the exposure of individuals to emotional, physical, sexual neglect and abuse and nicotine addiction levels after adjustment for age, gender and education level. However, a significant negative correlation was found between the FNAT score and the CTQ total score, emotional abuse score, physical neglect score, and emotional neglect score. Conclusion. Contrary to the results in the literature, we did not find a directly proportional relationship between adverse childhood experiences and smoking addiction. This finding suggests that further studies should be done on whether adverse childhood experiences may lead not only to cigarette addiction but also to other serious conditions such as substance abuse, mental and physical health problems. Determinants of child maltreatment are multi-systemic, it therefore, makes sense that in counties with different social, cultural, and economic conditions, the consequences of child maltreatment will also be different.

A REVIEW ON SMOKING CESSATION TECHNIQUES IN PATIENTS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

The current literature review aimed to find out effective strategies for smoking cessation in a patient with mental illness. Smoking is one of the primary causes of death worldwide. Patients with mental illness have a high rate of smoking. In General, patients with depression have a high level of nicotine addiction and after quitting smoking have more depressing moods and a greater risk than before of major depression. This review captured smoking cessation techniques from different literature which includes Cognitive Behavioral Mood Management, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), Varenicline, and Bupropion. Additional support and a longer course of treatment may also be recommended. Readiness to quit and awareness of smoking cessation are low among smokers. Concerted efforts through awareness programs, educational programs, strict regulation policies for tobacco use, increase cost of cigarettes, and substitution of smoking with other foods and drinks were also the factor that helped them to achieve successful cessation. Among all strategies, the 5R program is the best, which focused on Relevance, Risk, Rewards, Roadblocks, and Repetition. Varenicline and Bupropion are more effective in Schizophrenics and bipolar maniac patients with nicotine replacement therapy in combination rather than alone.

Effectiveness of Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms Management Program Using LINE Application to Increase Self-Efficacy for Industrial Workers

Background: Smoking is a risk factor for chronic diseases. A combination of tobacco use with occupational hazards among industrial workers could increase the risk of occupational disease and injury. Nicotine is known to be highly addictive. It is difficult not only to maintain the decrease in smoking but also to continue quitting tobacco use. Moreover, nicotine withdrawal can be challenging and lead to failure in the smoking cessation process. Self-efficacy theory has been used recently for the development of effective smoking cessation programs. Objective: To develop an online nicotine withdrawal symptoms management program based on self-efficacy theory and examine its effectiveness. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a control group pretest-posttest design was used. The sample consisted of male employees working in a consumer product manufacturing industry in Bangkok. An intervention group (n=28) received an online nicotine withdrawal symptoms management program via LINE application based on self-efficacy theory for one month. In comparison, participants in the control group (n=29) received a conventional smoking cessation program. The effectiveness of the intervention on nicotine withdrawal symptoms, cigarette craving, self-efficacy perception of nicotine withdrawal management, cigarette rolls per day, nicotine dependence level, exhaled carbon monoxide level, and smoking cessation behavior the first and fourth week were examined using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: At one-month follow-up, there were significant differences between the two groups on nicotine withdrawal symptoms score, cigarette craving level, self-efficacy perception of nicotine withdrawal management, cigarette rolls per day, nicotine addiction level, exhaled carbon monoxide level, and smoking cessation behaviors (p&lt;0.001). In addition, there was a significant difference in the self-reported nicotine withdrawal symptoms score in terms of irritability, anger, anxiety, concentration deficit, depression, and insomnia (p&lt;0.001) between groups, between times, and between times and groups (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Nicotine withdrawal symptoms management program using LINE application is effective in encouraging smoking cessation. Keywords: Smoking cessation; Nicotine withdrawal symptoms; LINE application; Industrial workers

Efficacy of providing free nicotine replacement chewing gum to induce quit attempts in tobacco users- A prospective observational study

To assess the effectiveness of providing free NRT to tobacco users in increasing quit attempts and to assess the perception of adherence, side effects and safety issues related to the usage in increasing quit attempt. A observational study was conducted to motivate tobacco users to have a quit attempt with a nicotine replacement sample among patients visiting out-patient department of a dental college. Baseline evaluation (demographic), Modified Fagerstrom test for Nicotine Dependence (MFTND) to assess nicotine addiction level, “breath analyzer” for the quantitative detection of levels of carbon monoxide were assessed. A free NRT sample was given. Telephonic follow up was done at an interval of 2 weeks, 1 month to assess the reduction in the mean MFTND score and to assess the perception of using NRT sample. All data was entered and analysed in SPSS for Windows version 22. Among the 40 subjects 80% were in the age group of 30-50 years and were males. The levels of carbon monoxide using breath analyser showed 80% of the subjects as heavy and chain smokers. Out of 40 subjects, 29 (72.5%) subjects were having high dependence calculated using MFTND which reduced to 2(5%) after using nicotine chewing gum. The mean and standard deviation of pre MFTND was 7.97±2.35 and for post MFTND it was 5.57±2.14 and the difference was highly significant (p&amp;#60; 0.005).: The results of this study confirm the efficacy of providing free nicotine replacement sample a novel strategy in motivating tobacco users to induce quit attempt.

Transcranial direct current stimulation of the prefrontal cortex reduces cigarette craving in not motivated to quit smokers: A randomized, sham-controlled study

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the dorsolaterateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been indicated as a promising treatment for several addictions, while its contribution for smoking cessation was less investigated. In particular, the role of motivation to quit and the nicotine dependence level as possible mediators of tDCS effect needs to be deepened. In the present study, we recruited twenty smokers who did not look for a treatment to quit: most of them presented a mild level of nicotine addiction, and they were randomly assigned to active or sham group for receiving bilateral tDCS over the DLPFC. tDCS was provided for five consecutive days with anode over the right hemisphere: in the first and the last day the craving level was evaluated through a specific evoking procedure, and the daily cigarette consumption was recorded. Results showed that the active tDCS decreased by about 50% the cigarette craving, while the number of cigarettes smoked remained unchanged and no differences emerged in the sham group. The present study indicates the tDCS of the DLPFC as a possible treatment for smoking addiction because of its effectiveness in reducing craving. Further, as we recruited smokers with no motivation to quit, and the nicotine dependence level was a moderator of the tDCS effect, we suggest that its efficacy might be even greater in the severe smokers looking for a treatment.