The relationship of nicotine dependence with age and socioeconomic status among current smokers in Moradabad city

Background: It is well known that nicotine is the primary factor responsible for dependency among smokers. Recent studies indicate age-associated changes in nicotine dependence (ND). The aim of this study is to assess the association of ND with age and to investigate the association with socioeconomic status (SES) among current smokers in Moradabad City. Materials and Methods: A convenient sample of 394 current smokers of 3 different age groups taken from urban areas of Moradabad. Data was collected using a self-administered 7 item questionnaire & standard Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Participants interviewed for demographic data, age, and socio-economic status by a single trained investigator. Statistical Analysis Uses: SPSS version 19.0. Results: About 85% of respondents said they hate to give up the first cigarette in the morning. Among the total respondents, 37.5 % of participants were semiskilled and unskilled workers, and 17.7% of participants were unemployed. Overall 36.5% of participants had a middle-level education (middle & high school). The mean FTND scores in the middle-aged group (35-50 year) was higher than in the younger (50 years) age groups. The mean FTND Score of middle-aged is 6.8 whereas in younger and older is 3.81 and 2.65 respectively. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with higher FTND scores. Conclusion: The middle-aged group of smokers had higher nicotine dependence than the older and younger aged. The lower socioeconomic group also found to be having higher nicotine dependence