LEVELS OF NICOTINE ADDICTION IN CONSUMERS OF THE LATEST TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Abstract

Aim. Determining the level of nicotine addiction in consumers of the latest tobacco products. Materials and Methods. We have surveyed 817 young people (from 18 to 45 years of age) living in Lviv region. Among them, two focus groups were distinguished: 96 respondents who indicated that they use electronic cigarettes with nicotine (ECN) for smoking and 93 respondents who indicated that they use tobacco products for electric heating (TPEHs). The Fagerstr?m test for determining nicotine addiction was used for the survey. The study uses the methods of structural-logical analysis, system approach and analysis, calculation of average and relative values, correlation analysis. Results and Discussion. The average score of nicotine addiction for TPEH smokers (4.00 (2.00; 6.00) points) is higher (p>0.05) than for classic cigarette smokers (3.00 (1.00; 6.00) points) and ECN smokers (3.00 (1.00; 5.00) points). Regarding classic cigarette smokers and ECN smokers, the median nicotine addiction score is higher in men, whereas in TPEH smokers it is the same for both men and women. About a quarter of the surveyed TPEH smokers (23.66± 4.41%) have a high level of nicotine addiction. Regarding male smokers, the largest share of individuals with a high level of nicotine addiction is observed in the group of TPEH smokers - more than a third (36.36±7.25%) of men in this group. The greatest number of women with a high level of nicotine dependence is observed among smokers of ECN, namely a quarter of the surveyed respondents of this group (25.93±5.96%). Conclusions. The findings of the study will be used in the development of a model for preventing the spread of the latest methods of tobacco consumption among the young population.