Smoking Behavior, Nicotine Dependence, and Awareness of Cessation Methods Among Pharmacy Students: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Determining the smoking behaviors of pharmacy students and the factors that influence these behaviors is important for public health, as they are future healthcare professionals. This study assessed the prevalence of nicotine dependence among pharmacy students, evaluated perceptions of smoking-cessation methods, and identified correlates of dependence. This cross-sectional survey was conducted at a Faculty of Pharmacy in eastern Türkiye between June–July 2022. An online 25-item questionnaire, developed based on the literature and expert input, was administered to the students. Students’ nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). The primary outcome was nicotine-dependence severity. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of current smoking, FTND distributions by demographics, and perceived effectiveness of cessation methods. Data from 232 students were analyzed (median age 23 years; ~70% female). Of these, 121 (52.2%) had never smoked; 54 (23.3%) had tried once; 11(4.7%) were former smokers; 13 (5.6%) smoked occasionally; and 33 (14.2%) smoked daily. The median (IQR) value of the FTND score of active smokers was 3(4). Among 46 current smokers, the distribution of nicotine‐dependence levels were: very low: 22 (47.8%), low: 10 (21.7%), moderate: 3 (6.5%), high: 4(8.7%), and very high: 7 (15.2%). The presence of a family member who smoked led to an increase in the FTND Score (p=0.006). Face-to-face counseling and smoking cessation clinic interventions were rated significantly more effective than both mobile application and posters and printed educational materials (p