Differences between intermittent and light daily smokers in a population of U.S. military recruits.
BACKGROUND
Few studies have assessed differences between intermittent and light smokers, particularly among young adults. Exploring these differences promotes a systematic approach to research and treatment in low-level smokers. This study explored demographic, tobacco-related, and psychosocial predictors of intermittent nondaily smoking relative to light smoking among basic military training (BMT) recruits. The impact of smoking status on abstinence rates at follow-up was also assessed.


METHODS
Participants were 5,603 U.S. Air Force BMT intermittent nondaily (n = 3,134) or light daily (n = 2,469) smoking recruits participating in a population-based group randomized trial targeting tobacco use prevention and cessation (Klesges et al., 2006, Efficacy of a tailored tobacco control program on long-term use in a population of U.S. military troops. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74, 295-306.). Participants completed baseline measures assessing demographics; tobacco use and history; and common social, attitudinal, and behavioral risk factors for tobacco use. Flights of recruits were randomly assigned to a tobacco use intervention or health education control intervention. At the 1-year follow-up, participants reported 7-day point prevalence and continuous abstinence.


RESULTS
Intermittent nondaily smoking relative to light daily smoking was associated with lesser perceived addiction, intermittent and daily use of smokeless tobacco, nonsmoking male and female heads of household, lesser likelihood of smoking while stressed or while bored, and higher likelihood of intentions to quit smoking. Intermittent smokers were significantly more likely than light daily smokers to report abstinence at follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Intermittent and daily light smokers differ on several tobacco-related and psychosocial variables. Attending to these factors in prevention and cessation programs may enhance abstinence in both groups.
Cooper
Theodore V
TV
Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA. tvcooper@utep.edu
Taylor
Thom
T
Murray
Ashley
A
DeBon
Margaret W
MW
Vander Weg
Mark W
MW
Klesges
Robert C
RC
Talcott
G Wayne
GW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology*; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult