Personality traits and high cigarette dependence among university students: Insights from Lebanon

The use of tobacco and cigarette products remains widespread globally, with varying patterns across countries. Understanding the factors influencing cigarette dependence among young adults is crucial for effective smoking prevention and control programs. Personality traits are one of the factors that influence smoking behaviour, yet the evidence on their role in high cigarette dependence among young adults remains inconclusive. This study aims to provide insights and initial evidence on the potential association between personality dimensions, sociodemographic factors, lifestyle habits, and high cigarette dependence among Lebanese university students.

A convenient sample of 212 student smokers from one private and one public university in Lebanon participated in an online survey. The survey included measures of personality traits using the Big-Five framework, sociodemographic factors, lifestyle habits, and the Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence (FTCD). Logistic regression models and mediation analysis were used to analyze the data.

The results revealed significant associations between personality dimensions and high cigarette dependence among Lebanese university students. Smokers with higher levels of Openness to Experience were more likely to have high cigarette dependence (β = 0.408, p < = 0.015). Conversely, smokers with higher levels of Conscientiousness (β = -0.500, p < 0.001) and Agreeableness (β = -0.491, p < 0.01) were less likely to have high cigarette dependence. Additionally, attending a public university (β = 1.198, p = 0.018), having more close friends who smoke (β = 0.525, p < 0.01), and switching to a cheaper cigarette brand (β = 0.928, p < 0.05) were associated with a higher cigarette dependence.

These findings highlight the importance of considering personality dimensions, sociodemographic factors, and lifestyle habits in understanding high cigarette dependence among Lebanese university students. The results can inform the development of targeted interventions to address high cigarette dependence in this population.