Abstract:

Objective To investigate the nicotine dependence of elderly male smokers in rural areas and to analyze the effects of different degrees of nicotine dependence on smoking and quitting behaviors and cognition of the harmfulness of smoking. Methods A total of 769 old people in Jiading District of Shanghai who underwent the free medical examination were selected and multi-stage sampling method was adopted to conduct the questionnaire survey. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the degree of nicotine dependence of elderly male smokers. The respondents were categorized according to scores of Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FIND). The correlation of the degree of nicotine dependence, cognitvon and behaviors was analyzed. Demographic factors of the degree of nicotine dependence were also analyzed. Results According to the degree of nicotine dependence, 769 elderly male smokers were divided into the low nicotine dependence group (n=519, 67.5%) and high dependence group (n=250, 32.5%). The family income per capita below the median was a risk factor of high nicotine dependence (OR=1.984, P<0.001). Other social and demographic factors had no effect on nicotine dependence. Compared with the low dependence group, more respondents in high dependence group considered that smoking was ok or beneficial (r=－0.173); the age of starting smoking was earlier (r=0.086), average monthly tobacco cost was higher (r=－0.295); smoking history was longer (r=－0.088); less likely to have quitting experience (r=0.076); recent cessation period was shorter (r=0.140); there were more smokers in 5 most closest friends (r=－0.151); main entertainments were playing mahjong or cards (r=0.095); and more respondents in high dependence group drink too much (r=－0.171). The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Social and demographic factors have little effect on the nicotine dependence. Nicotine dependence has certain influence on the cognition and important impact on smoking cessation behaviors and lifestyle. In order to change smoking behaviors of rural elderly male smokers and achieve smoking cessation, it is necessary to conduct proper clinical nicotine withdrawal treatment as well as health education and social support.

Key words: elderly, male, nicotine dependence, cognition and behavior, correlation