Impact of Nicotine Replacement Therapy on Academic Performance Among Student Smokers in Mangalore

Background: Tobacco smoking among college students contributes to nicotine dependence, adverse health effects, and poor academic outcomes. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as impaired concentration, stress, and mood changes may negatively affect grades and attendance. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) may mitigate these effects. Purpose: To assess nicotine dependence, utilization of NRT, and its impact on academic performance among student smokers in Mangalore. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 75 student smokers aged 18-28 years using a structured online questionnaire. Nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. Academic performance and attendance before and after NRT use were compared. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 with χ2 tests. Results: Most participants were aged 21-24 years (70.7%), and 87.0% were male. Moderate nicotine dependence was observed in 41% of students. NRT was used by 75%, predominantly nicotine gum, 59%. Good academic performance increased from 14.3% before NRT to 46.4% after NRT (χ²=13.78, p<0.01), while poor performance decreased from 19.6 to 10.7%. Attendance also improved significantly (χ²=8.26, p=0.016). NRT users demonstrated better academic performance than nonusers (89.3 vs. 36.8%, p<0.001). Conclusion: NRT use was significantly associated with improved academic performance and attendance. Pharmacist-led tobacco cessation interventions may benefit student health and academic success.