The Fagerstr?m Test for Nicotine Dependence, as a prognostic factor, in current smokers with and without COPD: A cross-sectional study in northern Greece

BackgroundSmoking poses the most common risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and aggravates disease progression. Tobacco dependence inhibits smoking cessation and may affect smoking patterns that increase tobacco exposure and predispose to lung function decline.Aims and objectivesWe aimed to assess tobacco dependence in current smokers with and without COPD and evaluate its role in disease development.MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Greek rural areas. Current smokers completed the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence and were classified into COPD and non-COPD groups based on spirometry parameters.ResultsAmong current smokers, 288 participants comprised the non-COPD and 71 the COPD group. Both presented moderate tobacco dependence, but smokers with COPD started to smoke earlier in the morning. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed higher COPD prevalence in smokers with higher scores in the Fagerstrom test (odds ratio OR = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [1.01 - 1.24]) and older age (OR = 1.06 [1.03 - 1.09]), independently of pack-years smoking index. Multiple linear regression analysis in smokers with COPD showed that the forced expiratory volume in the 1st second decreased by 2.3% of the predicted value for each point increase in the Fagerstrom Test and 0.59% for each year of age, independently of participants' sex and pack-years smoking index.ConclusionThe Fagerstrom score appears to indicate a higher probability for COPD and lung function deterioration when assessed along with age in current smokers. Smoking cessation support programs are fundamental to COPD prevention and management.