Factors related to nicotine craving in an African American population

Cigarette smoking is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths in the United States and is the most preventable cause of premature death (American Cancer Society, 2007). Tobacco use disproportionately impacts African Americans who incur an increased risk of mortality from diseases associated with tobacco use (USDHHS, 1998). Most smokers are aware of the health consequences of smoking but have difficulty quitting (McGinnis & Foege, 1993). Craving plays an important role in precipitating relapse for people trying to quit (Doherty et al., 1995). Little is known about specific factors that may be associated with craving in African American smokers. Potential factors include nicotine dependence, carbon monoxide levels, gender, socioeconomic status, age at study start, and age at initiation of first cigarette.

Data were collected from 251 smokers, 82.1% were African American smokers participating in a clinical trial. Craving scores were assessed, on a scale from 0-100, after an overnight abstinence from smoking. Data will be analyzed as cross sectional using the responses of 206 African American smokers, ages 19-77 years, with a mean age of 45 years and equally split between genders. Participants may be classified into craving groups (high, moderate, low) for the purpose of analysis. Logistic regression will determine predictors of craving. Results from this study will begin to explain factors that predict craving in an African American sample of smokers. Interventions could then be tailored to specifically assist minority quitters in staying smoke-free.