Investigation of Surgical Nurses’ Cigarette Use, Nicotine Dependence Levels, and the Affecting Factors

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to investigate surgical nurses’ cigarette use, their nicotine dependence levels, and the affecting factors. Material and Methods: This descriptive and correlational research was carried out in a university hospital with the participation of nurses (n = 108) who work in surgical units and smoke. The data were collected with a Personal Information Form, Smoking Information Form, and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. SPSS for IBM 25 was used for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way variance and regression analysis, and the Bonferroni test were used in the analysis of the data. Results: The results were evaluated at a 95% confidence interval and p <0.05 significance level. 34% of surgical nurses were between 21-29 years old, 65% were women, 58% were single, and 86% had bachelor degrees. 65% of the nurses were smoking due to stress, 53% due to enjoyment, and 80% were smoking more than 10 cigarettes per day. It was found that the nurses working in the intensive care unit smoked more cigarettes than the operating room and service nurses. Conclusion: As a result of this research, it was found that surgical nurses had a high level of nicotine dependence. Strategies for surgical nurses to quit smoking should be developed and training should be provided.