KUMJ | VOL. 19 | NO. 2 | ISSUE 74 | APRIL-JUNE 2021
Evaluation of Nicotine Dependence in Adult Population of Eastern Nepal
Shrestha A, Marla V, Lamsal M, Sarraf DP, Rao N
Abstract: Background
Tobacco consumption is a leading cause of premature death in the world. Tobacco-
related deaths are associated with cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, oral
potentially malignant disorders, cancer, others. Moreover there is also associated
nicotine dependence which might result to numerous tobacco-associated diseases.
Objective
This study was conducted to analyze the degree of nicotine dependence considering
its potential health risk, in the Eastern region of Nepal.
Method
A descriptive questionnaire based study was conducted among current tobacco
users of six districts of Eastern Nepal. Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence
(FTND) and Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependency for Smokeless Tobacco (FTNDST)
questionnaire
were
used for
tobacco
smokers
and chewers,
respectively.
Result
Of the total participants, 836 were males and 359 females, among whom 736 were
active tobacco smokers and 432 chewers, 34.8% had tried to stop consuming tobacco
and 306 (25.6%) had oral lesions in white or red forms. Very low nicotine dependence
was found among 244 (31.47%) tobacco smokers and 37 (8.56%) chewers whereas
36 (4.71%) smokers and 103 (23.84%) chewers had very high nicotine dependence.
The mean score for FTND was 3.73±2.37 and 5.74±2.12 for FTND-ST. A significant
difference in duration and age group with FTND score was observed, however not
with FTND-ST.
Conclusion
The information regarding degree of nicotine dependence can be used as baseline
information for planning of preventive strategies and implementation of tobacco
cessation and control programs.
Keyword : Fagerstrom, Nicotine dependence, Tobacco
