Tobacco smoking and cognitive functionioning in adolescents: a population study

Highlights. A population-based study of a representative sample of Siberian adolescents revealed for the first time quantitative changes in memory and attention patterns associated with smoking, depending on gender. At the time of the survey of adolescents, the average number of mistakes made in the test with memorization of 10 words was higher in comparison with non-smokers.

Background. The literature data on the association of cognitive impairment with smoking status, which is a conventional risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, in adolescence in an open population remains controversial.

Aim. To examine the effect of smoking on certain cognitive functions indicators in adolescents in the open population of the Novosibirsk region.

Methods. Cognitive functions were studied in 549 adolescents (231 boys (42.1%) and 318 girls (57.9%), mean age - 15.66±0.9 years). The smoking questionnaire in this group was completed by 332 participants. Cognitive functions were assessed using a proofreading test, a Luria test with memorization of 10 words, and a concept exclusion test. Smoking was assessed based on a questionnaire survey. An adolescent, who smoked at least 1 cigarette per week was considered a regular smoker. Descriptive statistics methods and analysis of contingency tables were performed in the statistical package “R” for Windows.

Results. Among adolescents who smoked at the time of the examination (n = 67), the average number of mistakes in the test with memorization of 10 words was higher (2.21±1.04 words), compared with 1.88±1.05 words in the non-smoking group (n = 265). At the same time, there were no statistically significant differences in this cognitive indicator between male smokers and nonsmokers, while differences between female smokers and nonsmokers remained.

Conclusion. In adolescents who smoke, direct memorization of the presented stimulus material is predominantly affected. This is due to the worst assimilation of educational materials by adolescent smokers.

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