The effect of anxiety sensitivity on nicotine dependence and smoking cessation success

ABSTRACT Aim: In this study,we aimed to research the relationship between anxiety sensitivty levels and nicotine dependence and smoking cessation in the patients whom applied to smoking cessation clinic. Method: This retrospective study included 286 patients who applied to Düzce University Medical Faculty Family Medicine Smoking Cessation Policlinic between January 2017 and July 2017. Beck anxiety scale and Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 were performed on the patients whose sociodemographic characteristics, smoking levels, nicotine dependence levels(FTND), depression scores- scaled with Beck depression scale- were all scanned from their files and also reached via contact informations on their files. The information about their actual quitting status was received. Results: The rate of smoking cessation was 19.58%, including the cases in which the patients in the study did not come to the visits and medical treatment could not be started. In our study, anxiety sensitivity and especially physical anxiety sensitivity were found significantly effective at nicotine dependence( in order p=0,001, p<0,001). Anxiety sensitivity and all subgroups of sensitivity significantly complicated smoking cessation(p<0,001 for each). Conclusion: Anxiety sensitivity has been determined as a potential obstacle to smoking cessation success. At the same time, anxiety sensitivity is significantly associated with high nicotine dependence. The effects of anxiety sensitivity on anxiety, depression, nicotine dependence and smoking cessation have been discussed. It is important that patients' assessment with an interdisciplinary approach from the first visit. Individuals with high anxiety sensitivity should be followed closely and cures should be made to reduce anxiety sensitivities in order to be able to quit smoking. Keywords: Anxiety sensitivity, smoking cessation, nicotine addiction, depression, anxiety.