Gender Differences in the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence in Korean Americans

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) is a widely used tool to measure nicotine dependence.
• Understanding gender differences in the psychometric properties of the FTND is crucial for accurate assessment of nicotine dependence, particularly in diverse populations.
• Previous research suggests potential cultural and gender variations in smoking behaviors and nicotine dependence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the psychometric properties of the FTND between male and female Korean immigrants.
• To investigate gender-specific factor structures of the FTND in a Korean immigrant population.
• To evaluate the applicability of the FTND for assessing nicotine dependence in Korean American women.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 334 Korean immigrants (97 women, 237 men) reporting daily smoking were analyzed.
• Item-by-item responses and exploratory factor analyses (EFA) were conducted, comparing results by gender.
• Promax rotation was used for factor analysis, considering potential correlations between factors.

Main Results:

• Women reported smoking fewer cigarettes daily, were more likely to smoke when ill, and less likely to smoke in the morning compared to men.
• A two-factor model (morning and daytime smoking) fit the data for the entire sample and men.
• This two-factor model did not adequately fit the data for women, indicating different psychometric properties.

Conclusions:

• The FTND's psychometric properties are comparable between Korean American men and other populations.
• The FTND's factor structure does not align well with Korean American women's smoking patterns.
• Clinicians should consider modifying FTND interpretations for Korean American women and explore alternative nicotine dependence measures.