Objective:

To determine the degree of dependence on smoking and the motivation to stop smoking in students of a university institution in the city of Tunja (Boyacá).

Materials and methods:

Analytical cross-sectional study with a correlational phase, with probabilistic cluster sampling. The identification of smoking behavior was carried out using the Fagerström and Richmond instruments, in relation to the measurement of carbon monoxide concentration levels through pulse co-oximetry.

Results:

An average age of 21 years was observed in the 79 students, with the majority being male (86%), with an average cigarette consumption of 4.2 years. It was established that 82.3% [95% CI: 73.4 - 91.1] of the students smoked less than 10 cigarettes a day, with a slight degree corresponding to 89% [95% CI: 81.0-94.9] who were characterized by smoking 5 or less cigarette packs per year. Similarly, 82% [95% CI: 73.4 - 89.9] of smokers were classified as moderate and 94% [95% CI: 87.3 - 98.7] of them were little dependent on nicotine. Similarly, it was established that only 32.91% [95% CI: 24.1 - 43.0] presented a high degree of motivation to quit smoking. In relation to the level of percentage of carbon monoxide saturation, on average it was 6% (SD 2.2), with a directly proportional relationship with the degree and classification of the smoker determined through the Wilcoxon method (P = 0.00).

Conclusion:

Most of the participants were found to present moderate motivation to stop smoking, therefore, it is necessary to encourage the start of smoking cessation programs that impact the quality of life in young adults, as well as reducing morbidity/mortality from chronic respiratory diseases in the future.

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