Investigation of smoking, anxiety levels, and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders of healthcare professionals working i̇n the operating room

EXAMINATION OF SMOKING, LEVELS OF ANXIETY AND SYMPTOMS OF ATTENTION DEFICIT AND HYPERACTIVITY IN HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN THE OPERATING THEATRE Objective: This study aims to examine the relationship between smoking, anxiety, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among operating room healthcare workers. Additionally, it seeks to investigate the psychosocial and sociodemographic factors influencing smoking behavior and identify potential risk factors associated with nicotine dependence. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted on 193 healthcare professionals working at Adana City Hospital, with a mean age of 36.07±8.71 years. Data collection was carried out through face-to-face administration of a questionnaire and standardized scales. The instruments used included a sociodemographic data form, the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software, employing independent samples t-tests, correlation analyses, and multivariate regression analyses. Results: Of the participants, 56.48% were female, and 59.5% were married. Among them, 43.01% were non-smokers, 16.06% had quit smoking, and 40.93% were active smokers. A positive relationship was found between the duration of smoking and the risk of nicotine addiction, and it was observed that as the addiction risk level of smokers increased, anxiety and ADHD scale scores became more pronounced. The anxiety scale scores of smokers were found to be significantly higher than those of non-smokers. In the evaluations made in terms of ADHD scale scores, 58.5% of smokers showed high ADHD scale scores, while this rate remained at 34.3% in non-smokers. In addition, 53.9% of smokers showed high ADHD scale scores, while this rate was 32.4% in non-smokers. Nicotine dependence levels varied according to educational background and smoking duration. It was also determined that individuals with moderate to high levels of nicotine dependence had a greater likelihood of failing in smoking cessation attempts. Conclusion: This study indicates that smoking among healthcare workers is not merely a physical addiction but is also closely associated with mental health disorders. Keywords: Anxiety, ADHD, Smoking, Addiction, Healthcare workers.