SHBC1410

P.WANG¹, E.ABDIN¹, P.V.ASHARANI¹, V.SEET¹, Y.Y.LEE¹, F.DEVI¹, K.ROYSTONN¹, L.CETTY¹, W.L.TEH¹, S.K.VERMA¹, Y.M.MOK¹, M.SUBRAMANIAM¹

Institute of Mental Health¹

The aim of the current study was to examine the associations between nicotine dependence (ND) and quality of life (QOL) among the psychiatric population. There is a lack of knowledge on how varying levels of ND affects QOL.

Participants (n=378) diagnosed with either major depressive disorder or psychotic disorder were recruited from IMH. Fagerstorm Test for Nicotine Dependence was used to measure the level of ND. SF-12 health survey questionnaire was used to measure QOL. This scale includes 12 items covering 8 domains and 2 summary scores. The Physical Component Score (PCS) and the Mental Component Score (MCS) are summary scores. Multiple linear regression was used.

The prevalence of ND was 23.3%. Ever-smokers with low (β=2.56, p=0.035) or moderate (β=2.90, p=0.047) levels of ND reported better QOL in the domain of PCS as compared to non-smokers. Compared to non-smokers, ever-smokers with high ND were associated with poorer Role-Physical (RP) (β=-5.35, p=0.014), Role-Emotional (RE) (β=-8.87, p=0.001), Mental Health (MH) (β=-5.11, p=0.03) and MCS (β=-6.96, p=0.005).

The prevalence of ND in this psychiatric population is 7 times higher than the general population. While lower levels of ND might be associated with better QOL, patients must be cautioned about the long-term physical complications of smoking. Ever-smokers with high ND have poorer health outcomes in various domains which may be due to smoking-related disease. Our findings provide inputs for better understanding of ND and for developing interventions for smoking cessation.