Evaluation of Nicotine Dependence Among Smokeless Tobacco Users Using the Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Scale for Smokeless Tobacco.

UNLABELLED

Nicotine dependence is a current indwelling and challenging health burden among smokeless tobacco users as it involves the compulsive use of a substance despite its known harmful effects. The evaluation of nicotine dependence is challenging as it involves physical and psychological dependence due to nicotine in smokeless tobacco.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

The primary aim is to assess the nicotine dependence in a group of smokeless tobacco by using a six-question Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence for Smokeless Tobacco (FTND-ST) and to assess the nicotine dependence among three groups, namely Group - 1, who were exclusively pan masala, gutka chewers, Group - 2, who were exclusively Hans users, and Group - 3, who were exclusively betel quid with smokeless tobacco chewers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Only those who use smokeless tobacco in the age groups between 21 to 70 years were randomly selected. The total sample size is 100 patients. The age groups were divided into 21-28, 29-35, 36-42, 43-49, 50-56, 57-63, and 64-70. Informed consent was obtained from the participants of the study.

RESULTS

The Hans chewers are predominantly females. Pan masala and gutka chewers are predominantly males.

CONCLUSION

Smokeless tobacco chewers like pan masala were found to have high mean nicotine dependence Fagerstrom score than Hans and betel quid with smokeless tobacco chewers.