Nicotine metabolite ratio and attitude towards nicotine metabolite ratio informed smoking cessation care in Jordan.

Abstract

Introduction: Jordan has one of the highest global smoking and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure rates. Nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR), the ratio of nicotine metabolites trans-3'-hydroxycotinine to cotinine, serves as a marker for tailored smoking cessation strategies to improve abstinence rates. This study examined smokers' NMR status, attitudes toward NMR-informed smoking cessation care, and SHS exposure markers in non-smokers exposed and not exposed to SHS.

Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited participants using convenience sampling from Amman and Madaba, Jordan. Participants were categorized into current smokers, non-smokers not exposed to SHS, and non-smokers exposed to SHS. Smokers were classified as slow (NMR <0.31) or fast (NMR ≥0.31) metabolizers. A baseline questionnaire gathered demographics, smoking data, and attitudes toward NMR-informed smoking cessation care. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and non-parametric tests were performed.

Results: A total of 251 participants were recruited: 125 smokers (49.8%), 63 non-smokers exposed to SHS (25.1%), and 63 non-smokers not exposed to SHS (25.1%). Median cotinine levels were high in non-smokers exposed to SHS (36.1 ng/mL) and non-smokers not exposed to SHS (32 ng/mL). Among smokers, 105 (84%) were fast nicotine metabolizers (NMR ≥0.31) and 20 (16%) were slow metabolizers (NMR <0.31), with a median NMR of 0.52 (range: 0.14-6.6). Most smokers showed a positive attitude towards NMR-informed smoking cessation care.

Conclusions: The predominance of fast nicotine metabolizers in this study underscores the need for NMR-tailored cessation approaches. High SHS exposure observed underscores the need to enforce strict public smoking restrictions in Jordan.