A latent class analysis of nicotine-dependence criteria and use of alternate tobacco

Citation

Timberlake, David & S (2008). A latent class analysis of nicotine-dependence criteria and use of alternate tobacco. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. vol. 69 (5) pp. 709-717

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Prior latent class analyses have identified subgroups of smokers that vary by the severity and individual symptoms of nicotine dependence. These analyses have not accounted for the use of alternate tobacco, which is most prevalent among current cigarette smokers. The objective of this study was to determine whether smokers who frequently use other forms of tobacco constitute a latent class characteristic of nicotine-dependence symptoms. METHOD: Current cigarette smokers (N=4,517), who had a lifetime history of daily smoking, were selected from Wave III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. A latent class model was based on 10 indicators, which included 6 items from the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence and 4 measures of the past-month use of tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, bidis). Covariates included demographic, psychosocial, smoking-related characteristics, and the use of other substances. RESULTS: One of the five estimated latent classes, which ranked second in severity of nicotine dependence only to the class with the heaviest smokers, consisted of light-to-medium smokers who were the most frequent users of alternate tobacco. CONCLUSION: Alternate tobacco use is correlated with nicotine dependence among smokers, a factor that should be considered in promoting the substitution of one tobacco product for another.

URL

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18781246

Keyword(s)

Alcohol

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs

Author(s)

Timberlake, David
S

Year Published

2008

Volume Number

69

Issue Number

5

Pages

709-717

ISSN/ISBN

1937-1888

DOI

1937-1888

Reference ID

8880