Research Information System
Medical Journal of Bakirkoy, vol.22, no.1, pp.60-66, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin)
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nicotine dependence on cough capacity, respiratory symptoms, and cough-related quality of life in young adults. Methods: A total of 101 university students, both smokers and non-smokers, who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Nicotine dependence status of smokers, cough capacity of both groups, and cough-related quality of life were evaluated in the study. Results: When peak cough flow values were analysed, a statistically significant difference was found between the groups (p=0.045). When the Leicester Cough Questionnaire physical, psychological, social sub-dimensions, and total score were analysed, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups (p=0.599, p=0.333, p=0.077, p=0.154; respectively). A weak negative correlation was found between nicotine dependence level and peak cough flow in smokers (r=-0.297, p=0.02). Conclusion: According to the results of the study, smoking has harmful effects on lung function, which causes a significant decrease in peak cough flow rate. In addition, as the nicotine dependence level of smokers increased, peak cough flow decreased. The deterioration of lung function and more respiratory symptoms reported by smokers may affect quality of life.