الفهرس 
Overview about schizophreniaOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 162 |  |  |
| | | from | 162 | | |
Abstract
The high rates of cigarette smoking in patients with schizophrenia may relate to abnormal biology of nicotinic receptor systems and central dopamine pathways associated with this disorder. Hence, these patients self-medicate clinical and cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia that are nicotineresponsive.Aim: the study was conducted to determine the relation between nicotine dependence and symptoms of schizophrenia. Design: this study followed a descriptive research design. Setting: it was conducted at Neuro-Psychiatry Department in Tanta University Hospital and Tanta Mental Health Hospital affiliated to Ministry of Health. Subjects: the subjects of the study consisted of 80 psychiatric patients who were selected according to specific criteria. Tools: three tools were used to collect data for the study tool I Positive and Negative Syndrome Scales which consisted of two parts: sociodemographic and clinical data, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scales (PANSS), tool II The Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Scale (FND) used to assess the intensity of physical dependence to nicotine and tool III Beck Depression Inventory II scale (BDI) used to identify and assess depressive symptoms. Result: the main results revealed that more than half 60% of smokers’ patients with schizophrenia were high level of Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Scale, and there was statistically significance difference between smokers and non smokers with schizophrenia with Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI) level as more than half of non smokers with schizophrenia were moderate level of BDI. Conclusion: the study concluded that cigarette smoking is frequently observed in patients with schizophrenia as they smoke more heavily, are more nicotine-dependent. Recommendation: the study recommended the implementation of smoke-free policy in psychiatric hospitals, training of nursing staff and implementation of smoking cessation programs which focused on changing nurses’ attitudes and beliefs towards their patients’ addiction to tobacco by reinforcing any patients’ quit attempt