title: Gender differences in self-reported withdrawal symptoms and reducing or quitting smoking three years later: A prospective, longitudinal examination of U.S. adults.
abstract: Little is known about gender differences in withdrawal symptoms among smokers in the community. This study used longitudinal epidemiologic data to examine gender differences in current smokers' report of withdrawal symptoms during past quit attempts and the relationship between withdrawal symptoms and the odds of reducing or quitting smoking three years later.
  
  
  
  Data were drawn from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC; Wave 1, 2001-2001, n=43,093; Wave 2, 2004-2005, n=34,653). Analyses were conducted on respondents who reported current daily cigarette smoking at Wave 1 (n=6911). Withdrawal symptoms during past quit attempts were assessed at Wave 1. Current smoking status was assessed at Wave 2.
  
  
  
  Wave 1 current smoking women, compared to men, were more likely to endorse any withdrawal symptoms, withdrawal-related discomfort, and withdrawal-related relapse (ps<0.0001). Women endorsed a greater number of withdrawal symptoms than men (M=2.37, SE=0.05 versus M=1.78, SE=0.04; p<0.0001). The odds of reducing and quitting smoking were significantly lower for respondents who reported any Wave 1 withdrawal symptoms, withdrawal-related discomfort, and withdrawal-related relapse. These relationships did not differ for women versus men. Among men, the odds of reducing smoking at Wave 2 decreased significantly with each cumulative withdrawal symptom compared to women (β interaction=0.87; p=0.01).
  
  
  
  Women were more likely to report withdrawal while the relationship between withdrawal symptoms and decreased likelihood of reducing smoking was stronger in men. Identifying gender differences in withdrawal can help develop strategies to help reduce withdrawal for both men and women.
authors.affiliation: Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA. Electronic address: andrea.weinberger@einstein.yu.edu.
authors.forename: Andrea H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Weinberger
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. Electronic address: JMP2198@cumc.columbia.edu.
authors.forename: Jonathan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Platt
authors.affiliation: AIDS Center and Division of Infectious Diseases, Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA. Electronic address: JSHUTER@montefiore.org.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shuter
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Psychology, Queens College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Queens, NY 11367, USA. Electronic address: renee.goodwin@qc.cuny.edu.
authors.forename: Renee D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Goodwin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D057566:Self Report; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Epidemiology; Gender; Smoking; Withdrawal