Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on the dependence levels of nicotine and consumption of tobacco and derivatives habits: a quanti-qualitative observation study

• Grant number: 20/12544-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2021
• End date: July 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Public Health
• Principal Investigator: Ana Paula Coelho Figueira Freire
• Grantee: Bruna Aparecida Santos Medina
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde (FCSA). Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE). Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This study will analyze quantitatively and qualitatively the influence of the pandemic on the level of nicotine dependence and on the consumption habits of tobacco and by-products. It is believed that smoking may be associated with worse prognosis for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Social isolation and massive access to information are factors that can directly influence smoking and smoking. To date, it is not yet known whether smokers are aware of their high risk for COVID-19 and its complications, as well as whether this information is influencing their smoking habits. This knowledge is clinically relevant to improve and strengthen tobacco cessation measures in this period. Objectives: To analyze the level of knowledge of smokers about the risks of tobacco use and derivatives associated with COVID-19 complications, in addition to analyzing the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on smoking and nicotine addiction. Methods: For this observational study, 50 smokers will be inserted who will respond to quantitative studies through online forms (Google Forms) prepared by the researchers themselves, and qualitative studies where a group of 10 of these 50 smokers will answer an interview containing 8 questions, for through an online meeting platform (Google Meet). Initially they will answer an initial assessment that will include general data and smoking habits. The Fagerstrom scale that evaluates the level of nicotine dependence and the Wisconsin scale, developed to assess the intensity of dependence on cigarettes, will be applied. Participants will also answer questionnaires about the level of prior knowledge of these individuals regarding smoking and complications of COVID-19. Finally, they will answer how the pandemic period is influencing habits and consumption of tobacco and tobacco products. After 30 days all applications will be repeated. Upon completing the questionnaires, participants will receive guidance on strategies for smoking cessation, as well as alerts on the risk of complications from COVID-19 for smokers. For data analysis, descriptive statistical measures will be used, such as absolute numbers, percentages, in addition to measures of central tendency and dispersion. Analytical correlation analyzes will also be performed using Pearson, Spearman and X2 tests between smoking habits and previous knowledge about COVID-19. The software used will be GraphPad Prism version 19.0. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

FREIRE, ANA P. C. F.; MEDINA, BRUNA A. S.; LEITE, MARCELI R.; LOPES, TAINA O.; SANTOS, ESTER T.; FERREIRA, MILENA M.; SILVA, BRUNA S.; CAVALCANTE, MARGARET A.; PACAGNELLI, FRANCIS L.. Consumption, nicotine dependence and motivation for smoke cessation during early stages of COVID 19 pandemic in Brazil: A cross sectional study. TOBACCO PREVENTION & CESSATION, v. 8, p. 7-pg., 2022-05-01. (20/12544-9)