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Elissa D. Thorner, BS and Eric T. Moolchan, MD. Teen Tobacco Addiction Research Clinic, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 5500 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, (410)550-1416, ethorner@intra.nida.nih.gov
Understanding the developmental trajectory of tobacco use among adolescents seeking smoking cessation treatment is essential for prevention and treatment efforts. Smoking histories, including trajectory, were gathered from prospective adolescent candidates requesting treatment in a cessation study. Age at first cigarette, age at daily smoking, which was (used as a proxy for onset of dependence), and age at seeking treatment-seeking request were obtained and analyzed by gender. Of 638 treatment seekers, girls made up 378 (59%) of the sample. The mean age at first cigarette for girls was 12.1 ± SD1.9 years and for boys 12.0 ± 2.3 years. Analysis of variance showed that the timeframe from first cigarette to daily smoking was 0.9 ± SD 1.1 years for girls and 1.3 ± SD 1.5 years for boys (p < 0.01). Time from daily smoking to treatment request was 2.4 ± SD 1.7 years for girls and 2.3 ± SD 1.8 years for boys (p < 0.7763). From this clinical sample, our findings suggest a shorter window of opportunity for preventive intervention before the development of tobacco dependence in girls compared to boys. Nonetheless, gender comparisons of the developmental trajectory of tobacco use in the broader population of adolescent smokers are needed.
Supported by NIDA Intramural Funds
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Tobacco
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.