Effect of Maras Powder on Reaction Time

Objective: This study was planned to determine whether the chronic use of Maraş powder, a form of smokeless tobacco, has any effect on reaction time. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 healthy men, who did not have any disease, 30 people who have been using Maraş powder for at least 3 years, 30 people who have been smoking for at least 3 years, and 30 people who did not use any tobacco product, were included in the study. People using Maraş powder or cigarette were told not to use them at least 12 hours before the experiments. The auditory reaction times of people who use Maraş powder, smoke, and do not use any tobacco product were compared. Reaction time measurements were made using the PowerLab 8/35 LabChart Pro data recording system. The results of the study were analyzed using One-Way-ANOVA, and Kruskal Wallis Analysis of Variance test. Results: There was no difference between the groups in terms of demographic characteristics such as age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) (p>0.05). The reaction time was 0.31±0.08 (0.21-0.53) in people who use maras powder, 0.25±0.07 (0.17-0.40) in people who smoke, and 20±0.02 (0.16-0.23) in people who don't use any tobacco product. The reaction time of people using Maraş powder was found to be significantly higher than people who smoke and people who do not use any tobacco product (p=0.002, p