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Measuring nicotine dependence among high-risk adolescent smokers
A V Prokhorov1, U E Pallonen, J L Fava
1Department of Behavioral Science, University of Texas, Houston 77030, USA.
Addictive Behaviors
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Adolescents, particularly vocational-technical students, exhibit significant nicotine dependence, comparable to adults. This highlights the need for tailored smoking cessation programs, potentially including nicotine replacement therapy for high-risk youth.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Cigarette smoking prevalence and intensity are high among vocational-technical students.
- Adolescent nicotine dependence patterns may mirror those in adult smokers.
- Existing adolescent smoking cessation programs may have limited success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare nicotine dependence levels between adolescent vocational-technical students and adult smokers.
- To evaluate the modified Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire (FTQ) for adolescent use.
- To discuss implications for adolescent smoking cessation interventions.
Main Methods:
- A modified Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire (FTQ) was administered to 110 vocational-technical students (mean age 17).
- Adolescent FTQ data was coded for comparability with adult FTQ data (N=173, mean age 42).
- Item structure, internal consistency, and score correlations with smoking intensity/duration were assessed.
Main Results:
- The modified FTQ demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties for adolescents.
- Adolescent FTQ scores were generally lower than adult scores.
- However, 20% of adolescent students scored 6 or above on the FTQ, indicating substantial nicotine dependence.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent vocational-technical students display significant nicotine dependence.
- Current smoking cessation programs may need enhancement for this population.
- Nicotine replacement therapy could be a valuable addition for high-risk adolescents.