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Measuring dependence in smokeless tobacco users
R G Boyle1, J Jensen, D K Hatsukami
1University of Minnesota, USA.
Addictive Behaviors
|July 1, 1995
Summary
New scales effectively measure smokeless tobacco dependence by correlating with saliva cotinine levels. Specific items, like timing of use, predict dependence, guiding cessation strategies for tobacco users.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Research
- Tobacco Control
- Biomarkers of Exposure
Background:
- Smokeless tobacco use presents unique dependence challenges.
- Accurate measurement of dependence is crucial for effective cessation interventions.
- Existing measures may not fully capture the nuances of smokeless tobacco dependence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate scales for measuring dependence in smokeless tobacco users.
- To identify specific items that correlate with physiological markers of nicotine exposure.
- To inform the development of targeted cessation strategies.
Main Methods:
- Development of two scales based on the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire.
- Correlation analysis between scale scores and saliva cotinine levels.
- Regression analysis to identify key predictors of cotinine levels.
Main Results:
- Both developed scales showed positive correlations with saliva cotinine levels.
- Several individual scale items demonstrated significant positive correlations with cotinine.
- Regression models identified specific item subsets predicting cotinine, notably timing of use (within 30 min of waking).
Conclusions:
- The developed scales are promising tools for assessing smokeless tobacco dependence.
- Individual items, particularly those related to early morning use, are strong indicators of dependence.
- Further refinement, including developing type-specific items and removing non-contributory questions, is recommended for future iterations.