<![CDATA[Final-year undergraduate students are in an academic phase highly vulnerable to stress due to the burden of completing their theses, demands for timely graduation, and anxiety surrounding the transition into the workforce. This psychological distress often prompts students to consume nicotine products as a temporary emotional coping mechanism. This study aims to analyze the relationship between stress levels and nicotine dependence among final-year student nicotine users at the Faculty of Computer Science, Universitas Duta Bangsa Surakarta. This analytical quantitative study utilized a cross-sectional approach. The sample comprised 80 students selected through a purposive sampling technique based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Stress levels were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) stress subscale, while nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Bivariate analysis was performed using the Spearman Rank correlation test. The results indicated that the majority of respondents were male (61.3%), aged 24 years (30.0%), and all (100%) were conventional cigarette users. Most respondents experienced moderate stress levels (35.0%) and moderate nicotine dependence (38.8%). The Spearman Rank test revealed a statistically significant relationship between stress levels and nicotine dependence (r_s=0.226; p=0.044). In conclusion, there is a significant positive relationship with a weak correlation strength between stress levels and nicotine dependence. As the stress level experienced by students increases, there is a corresponding trend toward higher nicotine dependence. Educational institutions are encouraged to develop adaptive stress management programs and provide counseling services to prevent more severe nicotine addiction on campus.]]>
