AWARENESS AND INSIGHT REGARDING NICOTINE USE IN NURSING STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Title: Awareness and Insight Regarding Nicotine Use in Nursing Students – A Cross-Sectional Study Background: Nicotine use remains a major public health concern, with increasing trends of smoking and vaping among young adults, including healthcare trainees. Nursing students, as future healthcare providers, play a vital role in tobacco cessation and health education. However, their personal habits, awareness, and insight into nicotine dependence may influence their attitudes toward cessation counselling. Aim: To assess the level of nicotine dependence, awareness, and insight regarding nicotine use among nursing students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 nursing students from a tertiary care institution. Participants who reported any form of nicotine use were assessed using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), FTND-ST and the Nicotine Awareness Scale (NAS). Sociodemographic details, pattern of use, and attitude toward quitting were recorded. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results:90 nicotine-using nursing students (mean age 21.4 ± 2.1 years; 55 males, 35 females) were studied. 60–65% used cigarettes/bidis, while the remainder used smokeless tobacco. The mean FTND score was 4.4 ± 1.5, while mean FTND-ST score was 3.9 ± 1.4 with 20% showing high dependence and 80% low/moderate dependence. The mean NAS score was 49.8 ± 11.7/70, indicating moderate awareness. However, only 42% recognised their nicotine use as an addiction. Conclusion: The study highlights a concerning gap between awareness and personal insight regarding nicotine use among nursing students. Incorporating targeted psychoeducation and tobacco cessation training into nursing curricula may improve self-awareness and enhance future preventive roles.