IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-8-12-23488 Original Research Paper NICOTINE DEPENDENCE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF NICOTINE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (NRT) AMONG TOBACCO USERS VISITING A HOSPITAL. MANMEET KOUR Dr. Dr. NIDA AFROZ Dr. December 2019 8 12 01 02 ABSTRACT

The major cause of cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and cancer is smoking. Effective treatment is needed to help smokers stop smoking in order to overcome this public health burden. Behavioral support along with Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) has been proven to be effective in helping a wide range of smokers to quit. Keeping this in mind a study was programmed in the hospital comprising of 317 patients with a positive history of tobacco smoking. The patients were evaluated using Fagerstorm Nicotine Dependence Test (FNDT) and willing patients were prescribed with Nicotine Gums with behavioral management. Depression, Anxiety, Stress Score (DASS 42) was also assessed before and after the therapy. And a conclusion was made that NRTs are very effective in reducing the withdrawal symptoms like Depression, anxiety & stress levels among those who are willing to quit tobacco and thus helpful in tobacco cessation