Behavior, attitudes and motives of consumers of nicotine products in Croatia

Konzumacija nikotinskih proizvoda izaziva ovisnost, negativno djeluje na zdravlje konzumenata i okoline. Iako, svjesni svih negativnih strana uživanja u nikotinskim proizvodima, velik dio populacije i dalje nastavlja konzumaciju i ne razmišlja o prestanku. Nikotin vide kao užitak, pomaže im za uživanje u trenucima i općenito životu, dio vjeruje da im umiruje živce i pomaže u borbi sa stresom. U ovom radu predmet istraživanju su nikotinski proizvodi u koje spadaju klasične cigarete, elektroničke cigarete i uređaji za zagrijavanje duhana. Ispitivanje motiva i stavova konzumenata su ključni elementi za bolje razumijevanje, predviđanje i promicanje prestanka pušenja. Anketno on-line ispitivanje provedeno je na uzorku od 233 ispitanika. Prema rezultatima ispitanici u većini i dalje konzumiraju klasičnu cigaretu, dok je korištenje „zdravije alternative“ u porastu. Bitne stavke prilikom odabira nikotinskog proizvoda su kvaliteta, okus i jačina nikotina. Okolina ima snažan utjecaj na početak i nastavak konzumacije nikotinskih proizvoda. Istraživanje je pokazalo kako se ispitanici slažu da su ovisni o nikotinu, a počeci ovisnosti započeli su u adolescentskom razdoblju. Ispitanici su svjesni kako unos nikotina štetno djeluje na organizam, ali će ga i dalje nastaviti unositi bez obzira na posljedice.Consumption of nicotine products is addictive and has a negative effect on the health of consumers and the environment. Although, aware of all the negative aspects of enjoying nicotine products, a large part of the population still continues to consume and does not think about quitting. They see nicotine as a pleasure, it helps them to enjoy moments and life in general, some believe it calms their nerves and helps fight stress. In this paper, the subject of research are nicotine products, which include classic cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and tobacco heating devices. Examining the motives and attitudes of consumers are key elements for better understanding, anticipating, and promoting smoking cessation. The online survey was conducted on a sample of 233 respondents. According to the results, the majority of respondents still consume a classic cigarette, while the use of a "healthier alternative" is on the rise. The essential items when choosing a nicotine product are the quality, taste and strength of the nicotine. The environment has a strong influence on the beginning and continuation of consumption of nicotine products. Research has shown that respondents agree that they are addicted to nicotine, and the beginnings of addiction began in adolescence. Respondents are aware that nicotine intake has a detrimental effect on the body, but will continue to ingest it regardless of the consequences