Effect of Abstinence on Audio-Visual Reaction Time in Chronic Smokers Pursuing a Professional Course

It has now been proven that tobacco abuse is the leading cause for various carcinomas such as oral, lung and oesophageal. It also leads to atherosclerosis of major vessels, development of hypertension, autoimmune disorders, COPD, bronchitis, asthma, bronchiectasis, etc. Most smokers are dependent on nicotine and abstinence from smoking results in tobacco withdrawal and craving. It also affects cognitive skills and reaction time. Many students in professional college have the habit of smoking. In spite of awareness programmes carried out in schools, colleges and having ban on smoking, prevalence of smoking is rising in India.

To observe the effect of abstinence on audiovisual reaction time and to note the cause for reverting to smoking by the students pursing professional course.

Sixty male volunteers in the age group of 18-25 years participated in the study. The volunteers were divided in to two groups (control group and study group). Cigarette smokers consuming at least 10-19 cigarettes per day for more than 2-3 years were included as subjects in study group. The study was conducted using a audiovisual reaction time apparatus in a quiet and bright lit room. All volunteers were subjected to baseline readings after demonstrating working of the apparatus. Auditory (high pitched and low pitched sound) and visual (red light and green light) reaction time was recorded. Thirty students in study group were subjected to these tests immediately after smoking and after 12 hours of abstinence. After all the individuals were tested, the recorded values were compared by Student's t-test.

Statistically significant difference was recorded in auditory and visual reaction time in study group subjects immediately after smoking and after 12 hours of abstinence as compared to base line readings.

It was observed that auditory and visual reaction time was prolonged in chronic smokers after 12 hours of abstinence.