Investigation of Nicotine Dependence in Young Male Soldiers After High-altitude Exposure: a Cross- Sectional Study

Abstract This study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire to analyze "demographic characteristics, nicotine dependence, and self-efficacy for smoking cessation" among healthy young adult male soldiers who are presently residing and training in high-altitude for a minimum period of 3 months. A total of 3307 questionnaires were distributed between January and August 2023 in the high-altitude areas (altitude approximately 1700m-3700m).The participants in the survey exhibited an average age of 24.5 ± 3.7 years. A notable 82% of the respondents migrated to the high-altitude from regions with an altitude below 1500m, while 12.5% of smokers had resided and worked in the high-altitude area for a duration of ≥6 months. A substantial 89.6% of participants shared living spaces with smoking roommates; 60.1% initiated smoking before reaching the age of 19; 75% of smokers maintained a smoking habit spanning 1-9 years; a predominant 94.2% manifested very low to moderate nicotine dependence, with the remaining 5.8% presenting high to very high dependence. A distinct correlation emerged between factors such as BMI, duration of residence and work at high altitudes, daily smoking quantity (in the last 6 months), maximum daily smoking amount, roommate smoking status, and smoking duration, and the heightened status of nicotine dependence. An impressive 82.1% of respondents conveyed a resolute intent to cease smoking, with pivotal determinants such as educational attainment, daily smoking quantity (in the last month), maximum daily smoking amount, and smoking duration significantly influencing the cessation intention. Nicotine dependence persists in young adult male soldier smokers post high-altitude exposure, with the majority expressing a strong desire to quit. Therefore, our focus should be on bolstering their willingness to quit, crafting a tailored cessation program, and elevating the success rate of smoking cessation.