A Study of Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Nicotine Dependence in Schizophrenia in a Department of Psychiatry

Abstract

Background: Nicotine dependence is disproportionately high among individuals with schizophrenia. Smoking may be used as self-medication for cognitive impairment and negative symptoms, but it worsens health outcomes and interacts with psychotropic medications.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of nicotine dependence and explore its clinical correlates among patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in a tertiary psychiatric setting.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Psychiatry. A total of 120 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (ICD-10 criteria) were included. Socio-demographic and clinical details were recorded. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was administered. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores were used to evaluate symptom severity. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and logistic regression to identify clinical correlates.

Results: The prevalence of nicotine dependence was 54.2%. Most nicotine-dependent patients were male (92.3%) and had a longer duration of illness. High nicotine dependence was associated with more severe negative symptoms (p<0.05) and higher total PANSS scores. Unemployment and single marital status were also more common in nicotine-dependent patients.

Conclusion: Nicotine dependence is significantly prevalent among patients with schizophrenia, especially males, and is associated with negative symptomatology and poorer functional status. These findings support the need for integrated treatment plans targeting nicotine use in psychiatric settings.

Keywords: Nicotine dependence, schizophrenia, PANSS, smoking, Fagerström test, clinical correlates