Exploring the association between anhedonia and nicotine dependence: A study among female undergraduate students in Saudi Arabia

TL;DR

This study explores how anhedonia, or reduced ability to feel pleasure, is linked to nicotine use among young women in Saudi Arabia, highlighting mental health and family influences.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the relationship between anhedonia and nicotine dependence in Saudi female undergraduates, a population underrepresented in prior research.

Findings

Anhedonia was significantly associated with nicotine use and mental health conditions among participants.

Family history of nicotine use and mental health issues were key predictors of nicotine dependence.

Mental health conditions and nicotine use strongly predicted anhedonia in the study population.

Abstract

Nicotine dependence and its psychological foundations, including anhedonia, are major public health issues, especially among young adults. There is a dearth of knowledge regarding nicotine dependence and anhedonia especially among female young adults. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the associations between anhedonia and nicotine dependence among female undergraduate students.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2024, among 449 female undergraduate students, in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND) and the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS).

A total of 449 female undergraduate students participated in the study. The majority were aged 18–20 years (62.8%). The study found that 11.4% of participants reported nicotine use, primarily e-cigarettes (66.7%). Nicotine users reported higher parental [45.1% vs 26.4%, χ2(1)=7.770, p=0.005] and sibling nicotine use [52.9% vs 30.7%, χ2(1)=17.992, p=0.001]. Mental health conditions were more prevalent in nicotine users [39.2% vs 15.1%, χ2(1)=17.992, p<0.001]. Logistic regression identified mental health conditions (OR=4.44, p<0.001), sibling nicotine use (OR=2.37, p=0.006), and parental nicotine use (OR=2.27, p=0.01) as key predictors of nicotine use. Anhedonia was present in 19.8% of participants, associated with mental health conditions [38.2% vs 12.8%, χ2(1)=31.501, p<0.001], nicotine use [27% vs 7.5%, χ2(1)=8.309, p=0.005] and sibling nicotine use [46.1% vs 30%, χ2(1)=26.857, p<0.001]. Mental health conditions (OR=3.47, p<0.001) and nicotine use (OR=3.34, p<0.001) strongly predicted anhedonia.

The study's results support the notion that psychological discomfort influences nicotine use, demonstrating a substantial association between anhedonia and nicotine use. Given the influence of familial nicotine use, there is an immediate need for targeted interventions that address both social and psychological aspects.