The effect of COVID-19 anxiety and awareness on smoking urges: the moderator effect of demographic factors

Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of COVID-19 awareness and COVID-19 anxiety on smoking urges, while considering the potential moderating effects of socio-demographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted to assess the relationships between COVID-19 awareness, COVID-19 anxiety, and smoking urges. The study also explored how factors such as age, income level, and chronic disease might moderate these relationships. Statistical analysis included regression modeling to determine the strength and significance of the associations. Results: The findings indicate that COVID-19 anxiety has a negative impact on smoking urges at a low level (beta = -0.135; p < 0.01), while COVID-19 awareness moderately and negatively influences smoking urges (beta = -0.558; p < 0.001). Furthermore, the study identified that age, income level, and chronic disease act as moderators in the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety, COVID-19 awareness, and smoking urges. Specifically, the effects of COVID-19 anxiety and awareness on smoking urges are amplified among individuals who are older, have a higher income, and experience chronic illness. Conclusion: The study highlights the significance of COVID-19 awareness in reducing smoking urges among individuals. It also emphasizes that while COVID-19 anxiety diminishes smoking urges to a certain extent, it might paradoxically trigger stress-related smoking behaviors. Importantly, the impact of both awareness and anxiety on smoking urges is more pronounced in individuals who are older, have a higher income, and suffer from chronic diseases. These findings underscore the complex interplay between psychological factors, awareness, and socio-demographic characteristics in influencing smoking behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.