Evaluation of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in smokers and Maras powder users
Sammanfattning
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate adult attention deficit and hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) in smokers, Maras powder users and non-users of tobacco products by using the
Adult Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-report Scale (ASRS). Methods: The study was
performed on 446 males presenting to family health centers in Kahramanmara, Turkey. Of 446
participants, 104 were Maras powder users, 133 were smokers and 209 were volunteers not using
any tobacco products. Data were collected with a questionnaire composed of questions about socio-
demographic features and features of smoking and Maras powder use, and the Fagerström Nicotine
Dependence Scale and the ASRS. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of the
participants was 33.94 ± 10.68 years (min = 18, max = 64). There was no significant difference in age
between the study groups (P = 0.089). Thirty-one participants (7.0%) received scores higher than the
cut-off value (= 14 points) for the short form of the ASRS. Twenty-one participants (4.7%) achieverd
scores higher than the cut-off value (= 44 points) for the ASRS. The smokers received the highest
scores of 8.42 ± 3.79 for all the subscales of the short version of the ASRS, 26.87 ± 10.46 for the
ASRS, 12.57 ± 6.47 for the attention deficit subscale and 14.30 ± 5.35 for the hyperactivity and
impulsivity subscale. Conclusion: Higher rates of the smokers and the Maras powder users had
symptoms of ADHD. Considering nicotine may decrease symptoms of ADHD, it can be assumed that
the rates of the smokers and Maras powder users with ADHD are higher.