Tobacco Use, Dependence and Psychiatric Co-Morbidities Among Patients Admitted in Psychiatry Ward

Abstract

Introduction: Nicotine dependent individuals among the tobacco users are in greater risk of having tobacco related disease and psychiatric co-morbidities. There is little information about the tobacco use and nicotine dependence among psychiatric patients in developing countries including Nepal. This study was done to estimate the prevalence of tobacco use, the level of nicotine dependence among the users and the psychiatric disorder specific prevalence among tobacco users admitted in psychiatry ward.Material And Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in In-patient setting of Department of Psychiatry, BPKIHS. Ninety cases (size) were enrolled. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was applied to assess the level of nicotine dependence and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) for diagnosis of Psychiatric disorders.Results: The prevalence of tobacco use was 62.2%. Tobacco use was more common among males (p value< 0.05).Smokeless form was the commonest form of tobacco. Majority of tobacco users had moderate nicotine dependence and had started the use in adolescence and in their 20s. Psychotic disorders were the most common diagnosis among the admitted patients.Conclusion: Tobacco use is common in patients with psychiatric disorders. Nicotine dependence should be looked into for holistic management. Treatment approaches should be tailored in tobacco users with comorbid psychiatric disorders, as this specific population has high prevalence of tobacco use and higher nicotine dependence. J Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal Vol. 6, No. 2, 2017, Page: 54-59

Prevalence of Substance Use in Medical and Dental Students of a Medical University of Nepal

“…This prevalence points towards the extent of the problem in this part of the world. 17,18 A study conducted by Josseran et al 20 in a Paris medical school showed that more than one third of students were smokers (35%); 21% were daily smokers and 14% were occasional smokers which is comparable to this study. Budhathoki N et al 9 have studied substance use among third year Medical students of Nepal and found that about 56.20% of the students used tobacco after joining medical school in comparison to 43.80% consumed tobacco before joining medical school and majority of them were in hostels (53%) and rented house (62.50%).…”

“…Nicotine use doesn't appear to be lower than general population in this region. A study conducted at the department of Psychiatry by Limbu et al reveals that the prevalence of tobacco use was 55.6% in OPD, 17 62.2% in admitted 18 cases and 41.4% in community 19 . Tobacco use was more common among males in all three settings (p value < 0.05).…”

Psychiatry In-patient Substance Profile Changes in COVID year 2020 from 2019 in a Teaching hospital of Eastern Nepal

“…Some sporadic studies and observation supports this fact; both over all and specific substance data are there to suggest it. As nationwide, this part also has alcohol and nicotine as the most common problem substances both in community and clinical settings [14][15][16][17]. Studies indicate IVDs and opiate to be common and cannabis not less here [14].…”

“…Substance problem is also a main clinical entity as is seen in reports from clinical setting of this region. Substance problems, mainly alcohol, though less studied also nicotine/tobacco and others are among main diagnostic category in out-patient [17,18], in-patient and psychiatry emergency services [19].…”