Investigation of the Relationship Between the Daily Physical Activity Level, Smoking Status, and Nicotine Dependence

This study aims to assess the relationships among physical activity levels, smoking status, and nicotine dependence in university students enrolled in health sciences programs.

Between March and April 2025, the study included 164 healthy individuals aged 18 and over, comprising 59 smokers and 105 non-smokers. The "Fagerström test for nicotine dependence" and the "international physical activity questionnaire-short form" were used to evaluate nicotine dependence and to determine daily physical activity levels, respectively.

Non-smokers had higher median walking scores (P = 0.09) and slightly higher total physical activity levels (P = 0.20) than smokers. However, this difference was not statistically significant and should be interpreted with caution. Spearman correlation analysis showed small correlation coefficients between nicotine dependence and physical activity; the highest coefficient was observed for moderate-intensity activity (r = 0.104).

Non-smokers exhibited higher physical activity scores, particularly for walking; however, the differences between groups were not statistically significant. This study highlights the potential relationship between physical activity and nicotine dependence among young adults. Further studies are needed to reduce tobacco use and promote physical activity among university populations.