CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Loneliness and the possible relationship between smoking and low mood development
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Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Publication date: 2024-10-17
Tob. Prev. Cessation 2024;10(Supplement 1):A68
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ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The World Health Organization has established a Commission on Social Connection (2024-2026), enlightening that loneliness and social isolation increase by 25% the risk of early death. Social connection should be considered a global public health priority.
This study analyzes the possible relationship between smoking and suicidal ideation, together with the personal feelings of loneliness and isolation in Italian people aged 18-40. Moreover, we tried to figure out the possible limits between the need for help and the actual request for it.
Material and Methods:
The pilot research was conducted through a 15-question survey developed in Italian and shared online on September 24th, 2024. The survey included 4 socio-demographic questions and 11 questions about loneliness and suicidal ideation, as well as the propensity to ask for help in people aged 18-40. Three questions came from the validated “3-item UCLA Loneliness scale”.
Results:
These preliminary results show that 50 people answered the survey (64% female). 38% of the sample were smokers. 48% of the respondents had suicidal thoughts in their lifetime; particularly among smokers, the percentage increased to 52,6%. Of the 48% that reported having had suicidal thoughts, 6% answered having these kinds of thoughts very often, 14% sometimes, and 28% rarely. 60% said they felt alone among other people (very often 22%, sometimes 38%). 60% of the sample reported having reached a psychologist/psychiatrist, 32% only thought about doing it, and among them, the main reason not to contact mental health professionals was money shortage (31.2%).
Conclusions:
Results show some level of relationship between smoking and low mood; however, considering the small size of the sample, the collected evidence is not generalizable. The answers allow us to reflect on the possible need for public health policymakers to improve smoking cessation treatments with psychological support. Further research is needed to deeply investigate the possible pathogenetic role of smoking on low mood development.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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