Publication
Predictive validity of four nicotine dependence measures in a college sample
Publisher:
Elsevier BV
Date:
02-2007
DOI:
10.1016/J.DRUGALCDEP.2006.07.005
Abstract: The present study compared the predictive and incremental validity of four commonly used dependence measures (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV [DSM-IV] nicotine dependence criteria, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence [FTND], Hooked On Nicotine Checklist [HONC], Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale [NDSS]) in a first year college s le reporting light smoking patterns. Nicotine dependence measures were administered at the end of the first semester and follow-up smoking behavior (i.e. continued smoking, quantity, frequency, and length of abstinence) was assessed at the end of the first and second academic years. Higher levels of dependence as measured by the HONC and DSM-IV predicted smoking behavior at both follow-up assessments. While higher scores on some of the NDSS factors predicted heavier smoking behavior during follow-up assessments, higher scores on other NDSS factors predicted lighter smoking behavior. The DSM-IV, NDSS-priority, and HONC measures provided some evidence for incremental validity. Higher dependence scores on all four measures were related to shorter lengths of smoking abstinence. The four dependence measures were differentially related to smoking behavior outcomes in a light smoking s le. These findings suggest that nicotine dependence can predict a variety of smoking behaviors in light smokers.