[Smoking dependence and symptoms of anxiety and depression among Tunisian smokers].
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of depression and anxiety, and their relationship with smoking dependence, in patients attending a Tunisian smoking cessation clinic.


METHODS
We studied 72 Tunisian smokers attending the smoking-cessation clinic at the Charle Nicolle Hospital in Tunis. Nicotine dependence was assessed by the Fageström Test for Nicotine Dependence. Anxiety and depression symptoms were measured using the HAD (Hospital Anxiety Depression) Scale.


RESULTS
The prevalence of anxiety and depression was 22.9% (16 patients) and 20% (14 patients) respectively with four patients (7.1%) exhibiting symptoms of both. Overall, 50% of the group had emotional morbidity with high HAD scores for depression or anxiety, or both. Smokers with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression had higher physical and psychological dependence, smoked more at times of stress, had a reduced quitting rate and endured more withdrawal symptoms than those smokers without anxiety or depression.


CONCLUSIONS
The data of this survey from Tunisia, a country that has just put in place a tobacco control strategy, underline the high rates of anxiety and depression that exist in patients attending a smoking cessation clinic. It confirms the association between anxio-depressive disorders and a high level of smoking dependence.
Fakhfakh
R
R
Institut National de Santé Publique, Le Belvédère, Tunis, Tunisie. radhouane.fakhfakh@rns.tn
Aouina
H
H
Gharbi
L
L
Hsairi
H
H
Achour
N
N
Lagrue
G
G
Bouacha
H
H
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D014416:Tunisia