Validation of a Spanish translation of the nicotine dependence syndrome scale

Physical indicators of nicotine dependence are generally weaker predictors of smoking cessation among Hispanics compared to other racial and ethnic groups. While multidimensional measures of nicotine dependence may have utility, validated Spanish-language multidimensional measures of dependence are scarce. This study aims to test the five-factor structure of the revised translation of the Spanish Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS) among a sample of Mexican-origin smokers in the U.S.

The revised NDSS scale was administered to 289 Mexican-origin smokers in the U.S. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted among an evaluation sample (n = 144) and model modifications were employed using CFI, TLI, SRMR, and RMSEA until a good fit was achieved. The final model resulting from the analyses was replicated among 145 participants. Factor correlations and composite reliability for each subscale were estimated in each sample.

The original 19-item, 5-factor model did not converge. Model modifications resulted in 16-item, five-factor scale with good fit (RMSEA = 0.023, CFI = 0.992, TLI = 0.99, SRMR = 0.051). Since the Tolerance scale only contained two items and was highly correlated with the Drive scale after modification, we fit an alternative model structure where these two scales were combined into one scale, also demonstrating good fit (RMSEA = 0.016, CFI = 0.996, TLI = 0.995, SRMR = 0.051).

This study addresses the need for Spanish language nicotine dependence measures that are psychometrically sound. Future research in this area may facilitate better understanding of influential factors of smoking and cessation among Hispanic smokers.