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Associations between posttraumatic stress disorder symptom clusters and cigarette smoking
Jodie B Greenberg1, Katherine J Ameringer, Michael A Trujillo
1University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are linked to smoking behaviors. Emotional Numbing and Hyperarousal uniquely predict smoking status and nicotine dependence, respectively, in individuals with a trauma history.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heterogeneous condition, complicating the understanding of its relationship with cigarette smoking.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the specific PTSD symptom clusters associated with various smoking behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the cross-sectional relationships between PTSD symptom clusters and smoking behaviors, including smoking status, cigarettes per day, and nicotine dependence.
- To identify common and unique associations between PTSD symptom clusters and smoking indicators in a large adult population with a trauma history.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 23,635 adult respondents in the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions who reported a trauma history.
- Employed single-predictor and multivariate logistic regression models to assess associations between PTSD symptom clusters (Re-experiencing, Avoidance, Emotional Numbing, Hyperarousal) and smoking outcomes, controlling for demographics and Axis-I comorbidity.
Main Results:
- All four PTSD symptom clusters were significantly associated with each smoking outcome in initial analyses.
- In multivariate models, Emotional Numbing remained significantly associated with lifetime smoking (OR = 1.30, p < .01).
- Hyperarousal uniquely predicted nicotine dependence (OR = 1.51, p < .001), while Avoidance showed unique associations with smoking status and nicotine dependence before adjusting for covariates.
Conclusions:
- Common variance across PTSD symptom clusters contributes to the overall link between PTSD and smoking.
- Specific PTSD symptom clusters, such as Emotional Numbing and Hyperarousal, may uniquely influence particular smoking behaviors, offering targets for tailored interventions.
- Findings enhance understanding of PTSD-smoking comorbidity and can inform smoking cessation programs for trauma-exposed populations.
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