# 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.

## Key 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.