Nicotine dependence and lifetime amount of smoking in a population sample

Eur J Public Health. 2004 Jun;14(2):182-5. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/14.2.182.

Abstract

Aim: To determine how the age at starting smoking, any quit attempts and the single nicotine dependence criteria are related to the lifetime amount of smoking.

Methods: A population-based sample of 4075 18 to 64-year-olds drawn at random in northern Germany was used. It included 836 former and 1601 current smokers. They were interviewed face-to-face at their homes with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview which provides a nicotine dependence diagnosis (DSM-IV). Also included was the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence.

Results: The rates of smokers who started smoking at a young age, who had five or more quit attempts in the past and who fulfilled the single nicotine dependence criteria increased with the lifetime amount of tobacco smoked.

Conclusion: Nicotine dependence may be a main impeding factor against efforts to decrease smoker rates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Life Tables
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Surveillance*
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Smoking / epidemiology*
  • Tobacco Use Disorder / complications
  • Tobacco Use Disorder / epidemiology*