![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Tuesday, November 3, 2009: 2:45 PM
Learning Objective 1: define nicotine dependence and identify three ways it can be measured.
Learning Objective 2: identify/recognize two characteristics of hard core smokers in the population.
Background: Cigarette smoking is recognized globally as the most preventable cause of cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Approximately one half of ever smokers have quit, and nicotine dependence is recognized as a major barrier to quitting. “Hard core” smokers are described as having increased nicotine dependence and an inability to successfully stop smoking, potentially signifying a significant challenge for tobacco control efforts.
Methods: A secondary data analysis using 1999-2002 National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey data, a cross sectional health survey of a nationally representative sample of the noninstitutionalized U.S. population, was conducted with respondents ages 26 and above reporting smoking at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime (n = 4,222). Objectives included characterization of variables associated with smoking status (hard core, non-hard core and former smoker). The relationship between current smokers and nicotine dependence, based on serum cotinine and time to first cigarette was also examined.
Results. During 1999-2002, 44% of respondents who smoked were categorized as “hard core” smokers and were more likely to be of lower socioeconomic status, non-Hispanic white, male and with at least one household member smoking indoors. “Hard Core” smokers had higher nicotine dependence, with higher serum cotinine levels and smoking their first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking more often.
Conclusions. “Hard core” smokers comprise a significantly large portion of current smokers. Future implications include the development and implementation of tailored smoking cessation interventions for this challenging population. Nurses have the opportunity for significant contributions, impacting local and global nursing communities.
Methods: A secondary data analysis using 1999-2002 National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey data, a cross sectional health survey of a nationally representative sample of the noninstitutionalized U.S. population, was conducted with respondents ages 26 and above reporting smoking at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime (n = 4,222). Objectives included characterization of variables associated with smoking status (hard core, non-hard core and former smoker). The relationship between current smokers and nicotine dependence, based on serum cotinine and time to first cigarette was also examined.
Results. During 1999-2002, 44% of respondents who smoked were categorized as “hard core” smokers and were more likely to be of lower socioeconomic status, non-Hispanic white, male and with at least one household member smoking indoors. “Hard Core” smokers had higher nicotine dependence, with higher serum cotinine levels and smoking their first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking more often.
Conclusions. “Hard core” smokers comprise a significantly large portion of current smokers. Future implications include the development and implementation of tailored smoking cessation interventions for this challenging population. Nurses have the opportunity for significant contributions, impacting local and global nursing communities.