Assessment of Tobacco Dependence in Al-Bayda City, Libya

Abstract

Tobacco is the second leading cause of the death in adults in the world today. This is because of tobacco dependence. Therefore, aim of this study is to assess the level of nicotine dependence through a small random group of smokers in the city of Al-Bayda using the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence and to know the extent of desire to quit and take action. The study included 150 male smokers, with an age group ranging between 18-60 years, in the period between February and June 2020 through a questionnaire containing six questions from the Fagerstrom test and collected smoking risks and presence of smoking cessation medications. Data were collected and statistically evaluated using chi-square. Most of the participants had a family history, they were smoking imitating brother, father and friends. The average number of cigarettes consumed was more than 31 cigarettes per day, with a 5-minute time difference being the highest. The rate of desire to smoke was observed in the morning hours more than others. The proportion was also high for those who were unable to stop in public even while ill. Most of them are aware of the existence of drugs that help in smoking cessation. As for the attempts to quit, there were attempts during different periods of time, most of which failed due to physical and social reasons. Most of the results indicate a high rate of dependence among smokers, for reasons that may be social and economic. Therefore, we need more data and a wider study area through health centers and try to understand the reasons for returning to smoking and treating them. work to validate reliability.