Fagerstrom Test 1.3.1

The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence is a widely recognized tool utilized to evaluate the degree of physical addiction to nicotine. Originally developed to provide an ordinal measure of nicotine dependence specifically associated with cigarette smoking, this instrument comprises six items that assess factors such as the quantity of cigarette consumption, the compulsion to use, and overall dependence.

Regarding scoring, the Fagerström Test employs a straightforward method: yes/no items are scored on a scale from 0 to 1, while multiple-choice items range from 0 to 3. The cumulative scores from these items yield a total score ranging from 0 to 10. A higher total score indicates a greater intensity of the individual's physical dependence on nicotine.

In clinical settings, healthcare providers can leverage the Fagerström test not only to quantify dependence but also to justify prescribing medications aimed at alleviating nicotine withdrawal symptoms.