Predictive validity of four nicotine dependence measures in a college sample.

Background: The present study compared the predictive and incremental validity of four commonly used dependence measures (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV [DSM-IV] nicotine dependence criteria, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence [FTND], Hooked On Nicotine Checklist [HONC], Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale [NDSS]) in a first year college sample reporting light smoking patterns.
Methods: Nicotine dependence measures were administered at the end of the first semester and follow-up smoking behavior (i.e. continued smoking, quantity, frequency, and length of abstinence) was assessed at the end of the first and second academic years.
Results: Higher levels of dependence as measured by the HONC and DSM-IV predicted smoking behavior at both follow-up assessments. While higher scores on some of the NDSS factors predicted heavier smoking behavior during follow-up assessments, higher scores on other NDSS factors predicted lighter smoking behavior. The DSM-IV, NDSS-priority, and HONC measures provided some evidence for incremental validity. Higher dependence scores on all four measures were related to shorter lengths of smoking abstinence.
Conclusions: The four dependence measures were differentially related to smoking behavior outcomes in a light smoking sample. These findings suggest that nicotine dependence can predict a variety of smoking behaviors in light smokers.