Impact of Nicotine Replacement Therapy on Academic Performance among Student Smokers in Mangalore

ABSTRACT

Tobacco smoking among college students contributes to nicotine dependence, adverse health effects, and poor academic outcomes. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as impaired concentration, stress, and mood changes may negatively affect grades and attendance. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) may mitigate these effects. To assess nicotine dependence, utilization of NRT, and its impact on academic performance among student smokers in Mangalore. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 75 student smokers aged 18-28 years using a structured online questionnaire. Nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. Academic performance and attendance before and after NRT use were compared. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 with χ2 tests. Most participants were aged 21-24 years (70.7%), and 87.0% were male. Moderate nicotine dependence was observed in 41% of students. NRT was used by 75%, predominantly nicotine gum, 59%. Good academic performance increased from 14.3% before NRT to 46.4% after NRT (χ²=13.78, p²=8.26, p=0.016). NRT users demonstrated better academic performance than nonusers (89.3 vs. 36.8%, p<0.001). NRT use was significantly associated with improved academic performance and attendance. Pharmacist-led tobacco cessation interventions may benefit student health and academic success.

KEYWORDS

• Academic performance
• Grade point average
• Nicotine dependence
• Nicotine replacement therapy
• Tobacco smoking

Showing references and in-text citations exactly as published.

• DOI10.5530/jppcm.20260015Copy

RELATED ARTICLES

Matched on section and article type within this issue of JPPCM.

• Article · VOLUME 12, ISSUE 2Detection of SARS-CoV-2 and Absence of Influenza A/B Among Acute Symptomatic Respiratory Cases in Khartoum, SudanOmklthoom M Elameen, Rawia O Adam, Tasneem M Khalifa, Sanaa ME Ahmed, Awadalkareem Y Awadalkareem, Abdel Rahim M El Hussein, Halah Alkorbi, Khalid A Enan · pp. 97-101Original ArticleSame type: Article
• Article · VOLUME 12, ISSUE 2Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting in Bangladesh: Current Scenario, Barriers, and Strategies for ImprovementFaruque Alom, Mehedi Hasan · pp. 102-104Original ArticleSame type: Article
• Article · VOLUME 12, ISSUE 2Development and Evaluation of A Multifunctional Antiaging and Skin-Brightening Cosmeceutical Hydrogel Containing Niacinamide, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Hyaluronic Acid, and Herbal Bioactive ExtractsSachinkumar Jadhao, Saylee Jadhao · pp. 111-118Original ArticleSame type: Article
• Article · VOLUME 12, ISSUE 2When a Cure Becomes the Crisis: A Rare and Severe Adverse Drug Reaction to Fluoroquinolones Causing Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in an Elderly MaleHemalatha Ganjala, Uzma Aafreen Shaik, Mohana Kollipara, Ramya Jyothi Padigala, Jayasri Dimmiti, Ram Nageswara Rao Gajula, Kiran Sravya Yasam, Dileep Kumar Vinnakota, Vijaya Bhaskar Jirra, Lavanya Korikani · pp. 119-122Original ArticleSame type: Article