An investigation of smoking habits and mental well-being in healthcare personnel during COVID-19

Aim This study aimed to the smoking levels of the healthcare personnel (n = 761) in Turkey, the changes in their smoking levels, and their mental well-being levels. Design and Methods Data were collected via social networks from various cities in Turkey using a personal information form, the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence, the Warwick-Edinburgh mental well-being scale. Findings Their mean nicotine dependence score was 3.50 +/- 2.57 and mental well-being score was 25.01 +/- 5.44. The frequency of smoking during the pandemic was increased in 22.4% of the participants and was the same as that before the pandemic in 57.4% of the smokers. Practice Implications It is an introductory study of the current situation for healthcare professionals and researchers. It suggests protecting mental well-being and reducing smoking.