Studying the relationship between tobacco use and eating behavior among Egyptian university students

Abstract Background Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. In addition to the independent risks related to cigarettes, smoking is highly associated with obesity-related behaviors including unhealthy diet. Despite the public health significance, little is known about mechanisms underlying with the paired relationship of smoking and unhealthy dietary behaviors. Aim of the Work This study aimed to Detect the relationship among smoking status and total and specific types of food cravings (i.e., high-fats, sweets, fast-food fats, and complex carbohydrates/starches), the influence of demographic, clinical, and psychological factors on this relationship and estimate the frequency of nicotine dependence among a sample of 420 egyptian students from 4 theoritical and 4 practical faculties in Ain Shams University Patients and Methods This is an observational Cross sectional study study conducted in 8 different faculties in Ain Shams University. The present study aimed at analyzing the demographic data of 420 egyptian university students, during the academic year 2018-2019.The severity of nicotine dependence among those students was assessed using Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), eating behavior was assessed using Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), Socio-Economic Status (SES) Scale for assessing socio-economic level and Eating Disorder Examination Scale for assessing eating disorders. Results Compared to never smokers, current smokers reported more frequent cravings for high-fat foods and fast-food fats, after controlling for BMI and demographic factors. Current smokers also reported consuming more high-fat foods and fast-food fats. Nicotine dependence was positively correlated with the frequency of general food cravings and cravings for high fats, sweets, and carbohydrates/starches. Conclusion Cigarette smokers, and especially those with higher nicotine dependence, may have greater difficulties in addressing food craving and changing eating habits