Assessment of Nicotine Dependence and Its Potential Predictors Among a Cohort of Current Egyptian Cigarette Smokers - A Preparatory Phase of a Workplace Anti-Smoking Initiative: Part I

Abstract

Aim: Combating smoking in workplaces is a cornerstone to fight smoking in the whole community. However, nicotine dependence (ND) is a key barrier to successful smoking cessation. The study assessed the nicotine dependence status and its potential predictors among a cohort of current Egyptian cigarette smokers. Subjects and methods: Cross- sectional survey was conducted on a random sample of cigarette- smoking workers. ND status was assessed using the standard 6-items of FTND, Heaviness of the smoking index, and smoking parameters. The potential predictors for nicotine dependence have been studied including personal and smoking characteristics, the urinary cotinine creatinine ratio, knowledge, and smoking perception. Results: A total of 113 current male cigarette smokers were included randomly in the survey. High nicotine-dependent smokers represented 80.5% of the smokers, high nicotine dependence was significantly more prevalent in low-educated than the highly educated (p<0.0001). The linear regression analysis model revealed a significant negative linear correlation between the age of starting smoking of the participants and their FTND score and a significant positive correlation with Cigarette Consumption/day, smoking rate, and urinary cotinine creatinine ratio (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Nicotine dependence was highly prevalent among smokers, so combined approaches should be considered in the treatment strategy. The age of starting regular smoking, number of cigarette consumption/day, smoking rate, and urinary cotinine creatinine concentration ratio were significantly good predictors for nicotine dependence and increase vulnerability for its development. Combating starting smoking before 21 years old is a key to prevent nicotine dependence. The treatment priority should focus on smokers willing to change and want to be treated. The laws which prohibit smoking in workplaces must be activated. Key words: Smoking, Nicotine-dependence, Workplaces, Combating smoking