Tobacco consumption in university students: Motivation to the cessation and dependence

Abstract

Introduction. In 2018, lung cancer ranked first worldwide in both incidence and mortality with 2.0 and 1.8 million cases respectively. In addition, in the last four years, it ranked fourth in prevalence, with 2.1 million cases per year. Objective. To determine tobacco dependence and motivation to quit in a sample of university students through standardized tests and semi-structured interviews. Materials and methods. This is a mixed, cross-sectional study. Fagerström and Richmond tests were used to evaluate nicotine dependence and cessation. Results. There is no relationship between the degree of motivation for smoking cessation and the level of dependence. The subjects presented a doubtful level of tobacco cessation despite being in a very low dependency. The family and social factor becomes a promoter of dependence and initiation. Conclusion. A low motivation for quitting consumption is identified, therefore, it is necessary to promote interventions aimed at tobacco care.