title: Comparing the predictive validity of five cigarette dependence questionnaires.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To determine whether the long and short versions of the Cigarette Dependence Scale (CDS), the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), the Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI) and the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS) predicted smoking abstinence.
  
  
  METHODS
  We collected data via Internet in 2004-2007 in 2343 current smokers. Follow-up surveys were conducted after 8 days (N=456) and 31 days (N=486). We assessed the ability of dependence ratings to predict smoking abstinence, controlling for confidence and intention to quit smoking.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All dependence scales were significant predictors of smoking abstinence at the 8-day follow-up, with the CDS being the best predictor (OR: 3.98 per SD unit, 15% of variance explained). Results were similar but stronger among respondents intending to quit (OR: 6.68, 26% of variance explained). At the 31-day follow-up, only the FTND, HSI and NDSS Continuity subscale were still significant, albeit weak, predictors of abstinence (OR: 1.56, 2% of variance explained).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Among the scales under scrutiny, the CDS had the best predictive validity after 8 days. None of the scales explained more than 2% of the variance in abstinence after 31 days.
authors.affiliation: University of Geneva, Switzerland. delphine.courvoisier@hcuge.ch
authors.forename: Delphine S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Courvoisier
authors.forename: Jean-François
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Etter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D009538:Nicotine / Q000633:toxicity; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013557:Switzerland; D013997:Time Factors; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation
chemical_list: D009538:Nicotine