Learning Objectives: Describe the most common symptoms of dependence reported by college student smokers.
Abstract: DeFranza et al (Tobacco Control 2000:9:313-319) reported that adolescents who initiated smoking began to report symptoms of dependence early in their smoking careers, often before they became daily smokers. Although most college student smokers began smoking between the ages of 11 and 15, some do begin smoking after leaving high school, and others who were light smokers increase their smoking rates after leaving high school (Johnston et al, Monitoring the Future Volume II: College Students and Young Adults, 2001).
Questionnaires were distributed to college students in residence halls, fraternities and sororities. Of 318 returned surveys, 26% reported a history of smoking. The survey included questions about rates and frequency of smoking and about the presence of 11 "symptoms of dependence" (DeFranza's "Hooked on Nicotine Questionnaire"). Of those currently smoking, 30% reported initiating smoking at age 18 or older, and 27% had been smoking for two years or less. Both infrequent (less than daily) smokers as well as previous smokers reported experiencing symptoms of nicotine dependence. The relationships between symptoms of dependence and both years of smoking and smoking rates will be presented.
Back to Ideas on Cessation
Back to Cessation, Nicotine, and the Science of Addiction
Back to The 2002 National Conference on Tobacco or Health