Perceived vs. actual cigarette and waterpipe dependence in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study of social desirability across demographic subgroups - PubMed
2 days ago
- #social desirability bias
- #Lebanon public health
- #tobacco dependence
- The study found a gap between perceived and actual nicotine dependence in Lebanese youth and young adults, with 10.6% of cigarette smokers and 28.6% of waterpipe smokers not self-identifying as dependent.
- Underestimation of dependence was linked to higher actual waterpipe and cigarette dependence, more smokers at home, depression, and social desirability factors like reversed independent thinking.
- Gender differences were noted: males outside Beirut were more likely to underestimate waterpipe dependence, while females showed an association with depression.
- Researchers recommend interventions that go beyond health messaging to address social and psychological factors, such as promoting self-awareness and challenging conformity.