Nicotine dependence and quality of life in hospitalized patients with psychiatric illness: Findings from a tertiary-care study

Objectives: Nicotine dependence (ND) is common among patients with psychiatric illnesses and significantly impacts their quality of life (QoL). This study aims to assess ND and its effect on the QoL among hospitalized patients with psychiatric illnesses in rural North India and to assess ND and its impact on QoL among hospitalized patients with psychiatric illnesses in rural North India. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Sitapur over 18 months, including 360 hospitalized psychiatric patients (aged 18–60 years) diagnosed as per the International Classification of Diseases-10 criteria. ND was assessed using the Fagerström test (FTND/FTND-ST), and QoL was evaluated using the World Health Organization QoL scale - (Brief Indian Version) (WHOQOL-BREF) scale. Statistical analyses included independent t -tests, Pearson correlation, Cohen’s d, and two-way analysis of variance. Results: ND was prevalent in 43.33% of patients. ND patients had significantly lower QoL scores across all WHOQOL-BREF domains. Correlation analysis showed a significant negative association between ND and QoL. Large effect sizes indicated a pronounced impact of ND on QoL. Conclusion: ND is common among hospitalized patients with psychiatric illnesses and ND significantly worsens QoL across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. These findings highlight the need for integrated interventions addressing both ND and psychiatric illness.