Measurement of Nicotine Dependence among Adolescent and Young Adult Cigarillo Users
Measurement of Nicotine Dependence among Adolescent and Young Adult Cigarillo Users
Principal Investigator: Susan A. Flocke
Funding Mechanism: National Institutes of Health - Grant
ID number: 1 R01 CA190130-01
Award Date: 3/30/2015
Institution: Case Western Reserve University
Cigar, cigarillo, and little cigar (CCLC) use increased 124% between 2000 and 2012. Adolescents and young adults are the most prevalent users; in some geographic areas, CCLC use now exceeds cigarette use among adolescents. Recent evidence shows that CCLC users inhale when smoking and that CCLC products contain as much or more nicotine than cigarettes. Therefore, assessing nicotine dependence among CCLC users is critical to understanding use behavior. Product-specific measures are needed to more precisely assess nicotine dependence, but no CCLC-specific nicotine dependence measures exist. The goal of this study is to establish a CCLC nicotine dependence symptom measurement tool that is relevant, valid, and reliable for use in adolescents (ages 13-17) and young adults (ages 18-38). Using an array of rigorous methods (including qualitative in-depth interviews with 40-60 participants, Rasch modeling for measure development, and survey and biomarker data), investigators will create and validate a measurement tool. The tool will then be administered to 1,000 adolescents using the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey to assess the prevalence of nicotine dependence symptoms among CCLC users. Study findings may inform regulatory activities related to CCLC products.