The Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI) is a simple and widely used tool to assess nicotine dependence. It consists of two questions:
Time to First Cigarette: Measures how soon after waking up a person smokes their first cigarette.
Number of Cigarettes per Day: Measures the typical daily cigarette consumption.
Scoring and Interpretation
Each question is scored from 0 to 3 points, and the total HSI score ranges from 0 to 6. The score is interpreted as follows:
Low (0-2 points): Mild nicotine dependence.
Medium (3-4 points): Moderate nicotine dependence.
High (5-6 points): Severe nicotine dependence.
Why Use the HSI?
The HSI is commonly used in clinical settings and population surveys to:
Assess the severity of nicotine dependence.
Guide treatment decisions for smoking cessation.
Monitor changes in smoking behavior over time.
Disclaimer
This calculator is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are struggling with nicotine dependence, consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.