Objective: Hostility and cigarette smoking are both risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Moreover, hostility has been associated with cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and increased calorie intake. The purpose of this analysis was to study factors specific to the relationship between hostility and smoking within a random sample characterized by a broad representation of demographic variables.
Methods: Data were obtained from 1502 residents of the City of Long Beach CA, who were at least 18 years of age and responded to a 1998 telephone survey on tobacco control policy, cigarette smoking, and other health issues. Survey response rate was 76%. Current smokers were divided into three categories based on number of cigarettes smoked per day, and Scales were constructed to measure Hostility, Nicotine Dependence, and Nicotine Sensitivity.
Results: Prevalence of current smokers was 18%. Means for all scale scores varied significantly by smoking status. Hostility and Nicotine Dependence scores were highest for Heavy smokers and lowest for Never smokers, whereas Nicotine Sensitivity had an inverse relationship with smoker status. Hostility and Nicotine Sensitivity scores were significantly correlated.
Conclusions: Associations between hostility and smoking in this cross-sectional study were sufficient to allow consideration of a specific hostility-smoking connection. As previously noted, both hostility and smoking may be based upon common biochemical factors. Thus, both may develop independently, with a vulnerability to smoking uptake influenced perhaps through nicotine sensitivity and rate of tolerance development. Additionally, as the anger component of nicotine withdrawal, hostile behavior could be a direct effect of nicotine dependence.
Learning Objectives: After this presentation, the learner will 1. Recognize mechanisms for the relationship between both hostility and cigarette smoking and cardiovascular disease 2. Articulate the proposed explanation for the association between hostility and smoking 3. Identify DSM-IV criteria for nicotine dependence and nicotine withdrawal
Keywords: Smoking, Health Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: NA
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.