An Investigation of Cigarettes Smoking Behavior and Nicotine Dependence among Chinese Methamphetamine Users in Two Provinces

OBJECTIVE To survey cigarette behaviors and nicotine dependence among Chinese MA users, explore risk factors for high nicotine dependence, and analyze the relationship between nicotine dependence and MA-related euphoria and sexual impulse. METHODS A cross-sectional study, applying a self-designed questionnaire with the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS), was performed among 391 MA users in Beijing and Guangdong, China. RESULTS Most MA users were smokers, including 159 having high dependence on nicotine (HD users, FTND > 5) and 197 low or medium dependent (LMD users, FTND ≤ 5). Men or married users were more likely to be highly dependent than women or unmarried users. Higher MA dose and ever-use of ketamine or alcohol were associated with higher likelihood of high nicotine dependence. HD users reported significantly higher euphoria and stronger sexual impulse after using MA, indicated by higher VAS scores. CONCLUSIONS Potential risk factors for high nicotine dependence among MA users may include male gender, being married, higher MA dosage, and ever-use of ketamine or alcohol, which should be taken into consideration in individualized health promotion on smoking cessation. Severe nicotine dependence was associated with stronger MA-related euphoria and sexual impulse and it should be confirmed by further studies.