The examination of the relationship between exam anxiety and smoking behavior among high school students

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between exam anxiety and smoking habits among 11th and 12th grade high school students preparing for the university entrance exam. A total of 336 high school students participated in the study, including 222 females and 114 males. To gather demographic information, a Participant Information Questionnaire consisting of 8 questions was used. The Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Scale was employed to assess participants'smoking levels, and the Test Anxiety Inventory was used to measure their levels of exam anxiety. For Data analysis, SPSS 25.0 statistical program was used. The independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation test, and linear regression analysis were used for data analysis. The results revealed that participants had a mild level of nicotine dependence and high levels of exam anxiety. When examining the dimensions of exam anxiety, it was found that participants had high levels of concern regarding others'opinions and moderate levels regarding their own self perceptions. Their future related anxiety levels were above average, while their anxiety related to exam preparation was found to be moderate. Additionally, participants exhibited moderate levels of mental and physical reactions associated with exam anxiety. The findings of the regression model indicated that exam anxiety was a statistically significant and positive predictor of nicotine dependence.