Assessment of Mental Health Status and its Association with Cortisol Levels in Cigarette Smokers and Non-smokers

Objectives: Mental health status profoundly influences an individual's core being, affecting thought processes, perceptions and consciousness. Increased cortisol secretion under stressful situations can impair brain function and overall health. Smoking, often perceived as a coping mechanism for stress, may exacerbate stress and mental health deterioration. Aim: This study aims to assess and compare cortisol levels in smokers and non-smokers and investigate the association between elevated cortisol levels and mental health status. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 320 participants, comprising 160 smokers and 160 non-smokers. Saliva samples were collected and analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure cortisol levels. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was administered to evaluate participants' mental health status. Statistical analyses were performed to examine the relationships between smoking, cortisol levels and mental health outcomes. Results: Smokers exhibited significantly higher cortisol levels (59.88±30.84 ng/ml) compared to non-smokers (47.09±19.57 ng/ml). A drowsy mental health status was observed in 24.69% (79) of smokers and 6.56% (21) of non-smokers. Elevated cortisol levels correlated with chronic stress and reduced mental alertness, particularly among smokers. Conclusion: Smokers demonstrated heightened cortisol levels, indicative of a chronic stress state and compromised mental health. In contrast, non-smokers showed lower cortisol levels and better mental health status. These findings highlight the role of cortisol as a stress biomarker and underscore the need for targeted smoking cessation interventions to mitigate stress and its mental health consequences. Future research should explore socioeconomic factors, alternative stress-coping mechanisms and longitudinal impacts of smoking on cortisol regulation.