Abstract

LARA-RIVAS, Gabriela et al. Withdrawal symptoms indicators in a group of mexican smokers. Salud pública Méx [online]. 2007, vol.49, suppl.2, pp.s257-s262. ISSN 0036-3634.

OBJECTIVE: To describe symptoms of AS in a group of Mexican smokers attending a third referral clinic, to evaluate symptoms according to degree of nicotine dependence using the Fagerström Test (FTND). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A self-reported standardized questionnaire was administered to smokers and non-smokers during three consecutive days. None of the smokers received treatment during this period. RESULTS: A total of 185 smokers and 102 non-smokers were included. No differences in age or gender were observed. Among smokers, median tobacco consumption was 13 pack-years (range 1 to 72) and the mean (SD) FTND was six (2.35). Symptoms related to nicotine withdrawal were anxiety (OR 1.21, 95%IC 1.03-1.43), depression (OR 2.75, 95%IC 1.07-7.04), which was more common in women (OR 2.03, 95%IC 1.10-3.75), urge to smoke (OR 1.53, 95%IC 1.19-1.97), and sweating (OR 2.73, 95%IC 1.07-6.95). CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent symptoms related to nicotine abstinence in Mexican smokers were: anxiety, urge to smoke, depression and sweating. These symptoms correlate with the degree of addiction.

Keywords : Withdrawal syndrome; smoking cessation; Mexican smokers.

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