Predictive validity of four nicotine dependence measures in a college sample.
BACKGROUND
The present study compared the predictive and incremental validity of four commonly used dependence measures (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV [DSM-IV] nicotine dependence criteria, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence [FTND], Hooked On Nicotine Checklist [HONC], Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale [NDSS]) in a first year college sample reporting light smoking patterns.


METHODS
Nicotine dependence measures were administered at the end of the first semester and follow-up smoking behavior (i.e. continued smoking, quantity, frequency, and length of abstinence) was assessed at the end of the first and second academic years.


RESULTS
Higher levels of dependence as measured by the HONC and DSM-IV predicted smoking behavior at both follow-up assessments. While higher scores on some of the NDSS factors predicted heavier smoking behavior during follow-up assessments, higher scores on other NDSS factors predicted lighter smoking behavior. The DSM-IV, NDSS-priority, and HONC measures provided some evidence for incremental validity. Higher dependence scores on all four measures were related to shorter lengths of smoking abstinence.


CONCLUSIONS
The four dependence measures were differentially related to smoking behavior outcomes in a light smoking sample. These findings suggest that nicotine dependence can predict a variety of smoking behaviors in light smokers.
Sledjeski
Eve M
EM
Wesleyan University, Psychology Department, 207 High Street, Middletown, CT 06459, USA. esledjeski@wesleyan.edu
Dierker
Lisa C
LC
Costello
Darcé
D
Shiffman
Saul
S
Donny
Eric
E
Flay
Brian R
BR
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014495:Universities