Assessment of nicotine dependence among tobacco users visiting outreach programs in Dharan, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Nicotine is a highly addictive substance present in tobacco. This study was conducted to assess the level of nicotine dependence among smokers and smokeless tobacco users visiting dental outreach programs B.P. Koirala Institute Health Sciences -Dharan, Nepal. Methods A cross sectional from June 2018 April 2019. total 726 people were selected participants 6 districts using convenience sampling technique. The data collection done semi-structured questionnaire through face-to-face interview by single researcher. History use dependency measured Nepali translated validated form Fagerström Test for Dependence smoking mean age 39.55 ± 15.57. Descriptive statistics including mean, median, percentage, standard deviations interquartile range computed. Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact univariate bivariate logistic regression used where needed. Results (moderate severe) found 80% 48% smokers. Among users, be more with increase duration (AOR = 50.25, 95%CI 3.51–718.62, p 0.004), low socioeconomic status 6.27, 1.30–30.31, 0.02), less number packets per day tried quit last 1 year. significantly higher than 10 cigarettes 7.14, 95% CI 2.00–25.40, 0.002). Conclusions concluded that both high programs. It time develop policy control along creating cessation centers. Currently, program mostly focusing on smoking. However, it also important incorporate at level.