Association between Stress Levels and the Number of Cigarettes Smoked - Research Proposal Example

Association between stress levels and the number of cigarettes smoked Insert Insert The report focuses on identifying the variable values on smoking and stress. It takes a research approach to the relationship existing between the two variables. The introduction section predisposes the general problem set and current situation concerning the idea of stress related to smoking levels. In a research format, scholars work earlier in the same field is elaborated in the literature review section. With a keen delve into causes of stress, effects of smoking and the close association via psychosocial, psychological and economic analysis of the conditions. The approach towards accomplishing the research and data collection as well as evaluation is to derive a meaningful identity. It also elaborates the participant’s demography, control conditions, ethics concerns, techniques to collection and analysis of data employs the correlation method. With respect to the progress, graphical illustration or giving meaning to data is designed in the discussion section. One need to put into consideration stress indicators so as to have proper control; number of cigarettes smoked and population distribution amidst smokers and non-smokers as the paper gives remarks, recommendation and research conclusion. 1. Introduction 1.0 Associations between stress level and the number of cigarettes smoked Chemically, the cigarette contains more than 4,000 compounds known to the research field led by the department of health and human services. The chemicals have a strong relationship with being the causative agents of the effects that relate to the destruction of human brain and body. Behavioral effects and psychological conditions have been found to be associating with the substance found in the cigarettes. Inference concerning stress levels as a result of nicotine in cigarette has for long been an illusion that should not be the cause of the error in designing the research propositions. Analysis of the associations existing between smoking and emotions must factor in the behavior setup, sensory shape up with use of varying chemical compounds derived from the nicotine in cigarettes. It is adverse conditions, resulting from nicotine smoking. It leads to the prevalence of anxiety, irritability and dysphoria in the life of those who smoke. Research concludes that inhaling nicotine has an identified variability in the withdrawal. Previous research takes into account groups of persons who are nicotine-deprived and those who are not. From the analysis, a smoker has the sensation of relaxation while feels tense when one is not under nicotine. With respect to the finding, a relationship exists between inhalation of cigarette smoke in line with the stress indication. The research has been carried out in various parts of the country by using different sample and in different health centers, but results are almost the same. In addition, the research has find out that there is a strong link between the number of cigarettes and stress level. For instance, from the research, at a maximum consumption of 20 cigarettes a week, the weight standards of an individual will at 5. On the other hand, when one consumes two cigarettes in a week, then the stress level will be 1. It, therefore, indicates that, if a person consumes more cigarettes in a week, then it is automatic that the stress level will be high in that particular week. However, individuals do react differently depending on various factors. For instance, in the stress level, not all respondents act in the manner or portray the same behavior under-consumption of the same amount of cigarettes. For example, in the previous research, respondent 5 consumes ten cigarettes in a week, and the stress level turns out to be 4. On the other hand, respondent 6 consumes 20 cigarettes in a week and the stress level is 4 in that particular week. That means that, the stress level of respondent 6 is tiny as compared with stress level of respondent 5. Despite the fact that the two respondents have the same stress level, but they have alternating rates of cigarettes consumption in any given week. 1.1 Aim of the investigation Nursing and doctorate is a sensitive profession that needs a lot of care. Cigarette being an addictive substance, the research is to find out what will do to control the level of addiction among the nurses. There are many factors including environmental factors that can boost stress level of an individual. However, the research has its concentration on the degree of stress brought about by the amount of cigarette that one consumes in a particular week (Deater-Deckard, 2004). After the identification of stress level caused by the number of cigarettes, an individual will also be able to understand the techniques that can be applied to reduce the standard of weight. Addiction is a disease that one cannot just quit in one day. The research will give an individual room to understand the amount of cigarettes to consume so as to reduce stress level, as well as addiction. The research is also carried out in order to ensure that there is no stress among nurses and doctors in the health centers. Because the stress is another dangerous disease, the management needs to come up with techniques that can help reduce the amount of cigarettes that an individual consumes in a single week (Mirowsky and Ross, 1989). In addition, the research will also help the health care practitioners to learn more on how individual’s cigarettes consumption contributes to the stress level. Furthermore, the research will also help in defining mechanisms of reducing stress level from cigarettes use. Consumption of cigarettes has some means of prevention. However, each can respond differently to the mechanisms of controlling the rate of cigarettes consumption. Therefore, the study will enable the researcher to come up with a suitable arrangement that will suit each. 1.2 Alternative hypothesis It is a theory that states that sample observation are under the influence of non-random cause. For instance in our case, there is a total difference in the way respondents 1-10 are affected by the number of cigarettes that they consume in a particle week. For instance, from participant 1, the consumption of cigarettes in a week is 20 leading to stress level of 5. On the other hand, in member five the rate of cigarettes consumption is 10 and the stress level is 4. Meaning that reduction in the rate of cigarettes consumption in a particular week will automatically lead to a decrease in stress degree in that particular week. 1.3 Null hypothesis It is a theory that states that there is no any relationship between the two phenomena. In other words null hypothesis tries to say that alternative hypothesis might be true in one way or another. As per the disapproval of the null hypothesis, participant 1 consumes 20 cigarettes in a week and the stress level is 5 (VanSlyke-Briggs, 2010). On the other hand, member 9 consumes 25 cigarettes in a week, and the stress level will still be at 5. The hypothesis tries to justify that there is no relationship between stress level and the number of cigarettes that one consumes at any given time. 2 Method 2.1 Questionnaire Using questionnaires and observation is an inappropriate method to research on this topic because it deals with the way someone responds to stress (Mace and Rabins, 2006). The research is also trying to test if stress level increases as a result of a rise in the number of cigarettes that one smoke. That can be quite difficult because many people have a different reaction to certain number of cigarettes. 2.2 Design The means that will be used to conduct the research is interview. Meeting will give all the participants room to explain properly on their smoking rate as well as how they usually feel after smoking certain amount of cigarettes. Therefore, one will have to design spearman’s Rho test to measure the strength of association between the number of cigarettes and the stress level in a week. Spearmans Rho is a non-parametric test that one can employ to measure the relationship between two variables. At one end, the measure will have to show perfect positive correlation and on the other end the measure will have to show the negative correlation. When plotting the variable on the scatter diagram, the outcome will automatically give a curve (VanSlyke-Briggs, 2010). The curve is as a result of different reaction of individuals to the number of cigarettes that they smoke in a week. For instance, from all the 10 participants not all had the stress level even after consuming the same amount of cigarettes in a week. Therefore, different stress level from the same number of cigarettes consumed will lead to a curve. 2.3 Sampling technique The best option to pursue is the survey-sampling criterion. It will ensure that a target group is identified in the initiation stage, feasibility analysis undertaken and the sample variables selected. The design will elaborate on the dependent and independent variables. Moreover, analysis on the number of cigarette as independent variable, stress levels be the dependent variable and samples collected. In addition, age, smoking duration, gender and health related issues would be collected in the questionnaire. 3 Ethics 3.1 Ethical principles to be considered In carrying out the research concerning human subjects confidentiality is paramount. In addition, participants will be informed about the participation process, the use of the data and given the chance to deicide before responding to the questions in the survey. Information gathered will be used for research purpose only and not any other purpose. The policies concerning the use of public to conduct research will be adhered. 3.2 Conduct to ensure compliance Survey correspondents will be undertaken through training session concerning the use of public information. The structure of the survey question will be in such a manner that they do not contrive policies mandate. Respondents will be given enough time to make up their minds and answer the questions. The safety of the filled questionnaires will be collected by supervisors at the end of the day to ensure they do not get to third party. 4 Procedure 4.1 Data collection procedure The process of drafting and completing the research on the relationship between the numbers of cigarettes consumed, and the stress level will include the following steps; Step 1: Defining research objectives. The purpose of the research will be to find out if the number of cigarettes that one consumes has an impact on the stress level that one will encounter (Gould, 2000). It will start with a broad topic of cigarettes consumption, and then narrow it down by asking some questions. The questions will be about the frequency of consuming the cigarettes and the number of cigarettes consumed in a day. Step 2: Selecting a sample: It will be followed by identifying the target population with age bracket between 25 and 75 years both male and female nurses and doctors, from which one shall choose the sample. Step 3: Designing the questionnaire. It will include return address information of the respondent and open-ended questions. That is the questions that can give an individual room to explain what one feels about the impacts of cigarettes that one takes within a specified period (Selye, 1978). Moreover, there should be the use of coding to keep respondent identity anonymous. In addition, the respondents will be given room to rate their stress level emanating from the number of cigarettes that they consume. Individuals will gauge themselves from the rating scale of 0-5. Step 4: Pilot testing the questionnaire: This is to use a sample of target respondents to direction test the questionnaire (DeAngelis, 2000). Provide a room for them to analyze the contribution of the number of cigarettes consumed to the stress level. Step 5: Pre-contacting the sample: the greatest response rate appears when the researcher identifies himself and discusses reasons for the study and requesting cooperation from the respondents (Cooper and Payne, 1988). The researcher will have to assure the respondents of the total confidentiality of the report they are going to give. 4.2 Data analysis Data will be analyzed using both inferential and descriptive techniques. Statistical approach of finding central tendency measures will be put to the test. Use of mean, mode, standard deviation criteria will be used. Moreover, a series of test including t-test, z-test and f-test will be conducted to give finer analysis. 5 Results 5.1 Data representation The best way to represent research data is use of tables. In addition, graphical display will be employed in detailing the findings. From the research carried out, the findings clearly show that there is a strong relationship between the rate of consumption of cigarettes and the level of stress. It is after an analysis of the ten respondents who have different consumption rate of cigarettes in a week. The outcome indicated that, despite the drop in le level of consumption of cigarette the average mean in the degree of stress remains constant (Heidenreich and Prüter, 2009). The results of the ten respondents, we find the mean to be 3.2, median to be 4 and mode to be 5. It indicates that there is an alternative hypothesis in comparison of the rate of cigarette consumption to stress level. 5.2 Interpretation and Discussion From the results of the ten respondents, the research concludes that there is a strong relationship between the levels of cigarette consumption to stress level. That is, after calculating the mean of all the stress standards of the ten respondents, the research findings indicate 3.2 as an average of stress level. The figure 3.2 shows that it is above the average mark of 0-5 rating scale. In addition, the research also displays the median of the stress level to be 4. Out of the ten respondents, average of four is a clear indication that shows that there is a robust correlation between the number of cigarettes consumption and the stress level (Totman, 1979). Moreover, the recurring stress value among the ten participants is five. The figure five being the highest rating of the stress less, one can, therefore, conclude that there will be an active application of alternative hypothesis to the variables in question. The mechanisms approach towards attaining the research objective, data collection and evaluation gave a meaningful identity that explains the participant’s demography, control conditions and ethics concerns. The techniques to gather, analyze data and employs the correlation method. With respect to the progress, graphical illustration to data is designed to give more comprehension to the relationship between the two variables (Bickerstaff, 2007). Stress indicators will be in consideration; number of cigarettes smoked and population distribution amidst smokers and non-smokers as the paper gives remarks, recommendation and research conclusion (Hall, 1999). Therefore, one can make a decision as to whether number of cigarettes increases the level of stress that an individual will encounter in a given period. From the data gathered using questionnaires, the other samples can be carried out in order to reprove that the number of cigarettes increases the stress level in the life of an individual. Apart from direct smokers we also have passive smokers who in­- hell the smoke from the active smoker. Despite the fact that a passive smoker is also under a certain level of stress, it is difficult to rate them because of the frequency of in- halation process (Bradford, 1990). In addition, from the calculation of the mean, mode and median, one can quickly come up with undisputed facts. The facts show that the number of cigarettes that one takes has got a greater impact to the stress level in the life of an individual. However, the nurses also gave another factor that contributes to the increase in stress level in their daily operations. Despite the fact, that there are other many causes that can increase stress level, cigarettes consumption have been proved beyond a reasonable doubt that it highly contributes to increasing stress level (Keay, 1985). Therefore, basing on the research findings, one can make a conclusion that will be of great importance to individuals wishing to understand the cause of the increase in stress level. Because the results can be in more than one way, and all conclude that number of cigarettes contributes to stress level, the researchers can also come up with alternative means of reducing stress. 7 Strengths and weakness Among the strengths of the research includes the following; the research helps to test and validate the construction of theories in relation to how and why phenomena occur. In addition, the quantitative analysis can also help generalize research outcomes when the data relies on random samples of sufficient size at any given time (Hodges, 1987). When there is replication of much different sample population, the mechanism will help generalize the research findings. When one uses statically software, data analysis will consume less time and hence saving the time for other activities. Also, the mechanism is necessary for obtaining data that enables quantitative predictions to exist (Ward, 1986). However, the results of the research are relatively independent of the researcher. Apart from that, collection of data through some quantitative techniques is relatively quick that is if one uses telephone interviews. However, the research methods also have some weaknesses that can make it not that useful. Among the weaknesses of the study includes the following issues (Andrew, 1989). The theories that the researcher uses might not reflect on the local understanding of the constituencies. In addition, the researcher can miss out phenomena occurring as a result of focusing on the outcome of the testing of hypothesis other than the generation of the hypothesis (Dennington, 2007). Moreover, the knowledge gain can be too general that cannot give an individual a clear picture on some detail issues. Reasons for impossibilities of using questionnaires for this research Obtaining information from an individual in the form of a questionnaire can be very tricky. It is because someone can easily give misleading information because of lack of proper understanding of the questionnaire (Lefever, 2001). In addition, it might be difficult for someone to rate himself basing on the ratings provided. Furthermore, it is also hard to observe the characters of an individual at any given time. It is because many people respond differently when they under stress. Questionnaires can also not give an individual enough space to explain the reasons for smoking. 7 Conclusion It is clear in view of the research that the number of cigarettes that an individual smoke contributes to stress. However, the number of cigarettes that one consumes in a particular week also helps to increase or drop in stress level. From the ten participants, the results show that the higher the number of cigarettes one consumes the higher the stress level. We can, therefore, say that there is a strong association between stress level and the number of cigarettes that one consumes. List of References Andrew, A. (1989). Smocking. London: Merehurst. Bickerstaff, L. (2007). Stress. New York: Rosen Pub. Bradford, J. (1990). Simply smocking. New York: Sterling Pub. Co. Cooper, C. and Payne, R. (1988). Causes, coping, and consequences of stress at work. Chichester: Wiley. DeAngelis, G. (2000). Nicotine & cigarettes. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers. Deater-Deckard, K. (2004). Parenting stress. New Haven: Yale University Press. Dennington, V. (2007). Results from the Australian arm of an international RCT of a brief intervention for illicit drug use linked to the scores on the Alcohol, Smocking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Parkside, S. Aust.: Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia. Gould, L. (2000). Stress. Edmonton: Grass Roots Press. Hall, D. (1999). Contemporary smocking. Lewes, East Sussex: Guild of Master Craftsman Publications. Heidenreich, P. and Prüter, I. (2009). Handbook of stress. New York: Nova Science Publishers. Hodges, J. (1987). Smocking design. London: B.T. Batsford. Keay, D. (1985). The book of smocking. New York: Arco Pub. Koslowsky, M., Kluger, A. and Reich, M. (1995). Commuting stress. New York: Plenum Press. Lefever, R. (2001). Cigarette smoking. Nonington: Promis Primer. Mace, N. and Rabins, P. (2006). The 36-hour day. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. Mirowsky, J. and Ross, C. (1989). Social causes of psychological distress. New York: de Gruyter. Selye, H. (1978). The stress of life. New York: McGraw-Hill. Totman, R. (1979). Social causes of illness. New York: Pantheon Books. VanSlyke-Briggs, K. (2010). The nurturing teacher. Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield Education. Ward, B. (1986). Smoking and health. London: F. Watts. Read More