Issue title: Nicotine at the Early Age
Article type: Research Article
Authors: Contreras, Gisèle A. | O'Loughlin, Jennifer; | Rodriguez, Daniel | Wellman, Robert J. | DiFranza, Joseph R.
Affiliations: Department of Social and Preventive Medicine,
University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada | Centre de Recherche CHUM, Montreal, Quebec,
Canada | Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania,
PA, USA | Department of Behavioral Sciences, Fitchburg State
College, Fitchburg, MA, USA | Department of Family Medicine and Community Health,
University of Massachusetts Medical School, MA, USA
Note: [] Correspondence: Dr. Jennifer O'Loughlin, PhD, Department of
Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, 3875 St. Urbain,
Montreal (Quebec), H2W 1V1, Canada. Tel.: +1 514 890 8000 local 15858; Fax: +1
514 412 7137; E-mail: jennifer.oloughlin@umontreal.ca
Abstract: Nicotine withdrawal and the compulsion to use tobacco resulting from
withdrawal form the core clinical features of nicotine dependence (ND).
However, some ND measures show little or no content overlap with these clinical
features. Our objective was to review the content and psychometric properties
of available measures of ND for youth. A literature search identified 27
English language articles published in 2000–2010 that evaluated ND measures in
adolescents or young adults. A consensus process among the authors was used to
establish if each item in each measure assessed withdrawal or compulsion, or if
the item tapped other aspects of cigarette smoking including tolerance, harm,
triggers for smoking, cigarette use patterns, prioritizing smoking, perceived
utility, or attitudes about smoking. Out of 14 measures identified, three
(Hooked on Nicotine Checklist, Latency to Withdrawal, Withdrawal Symptom
Cluster) measured the core clinical features of ND; six (Autonomy Over Smoking
Scale, DSM IV, Dimensions of Tobacco Dependence Scale, ICD-10 Tobacco
Dependence, ND/Cravings Symptom Cluster, Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale)
measured withdrawal/compulsion and other aspects of smoking; and five
(Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, Modified Fagerström Tolerance
Questionnaire, Nicotine Dependence Scale for Adolescents, Self-Medication
Symptom Cluster, Stanford Dependence Index) had few or no withdrawal/compulsion
indicators. Existing measures vary widely in the degree to which they assess
the known clinical features of ND. Attempts to assess ND indirectly in youth by
measuring other aspects of smoking may result in inaccuracy if items are
endorsed for reasons other than ND. No existing measure assesses the full
spectrum of clinically recognized features of ND.
Keywords: Nicotine, dependence, adolescents, measurement
DOI: 10.3233/JPB-2010-0011
Journal: Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 143-164, 2010
Received 21 May 2010
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Accepted 21 May 2010
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Published: 2010
