Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #101256

Cathy L. Backinger, PhD, MPH, Tobacco Control Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, Executive Plaza North, Room 4036, 6130 Executive Boulevard, MSC 7337, Bethesda, MD 20852-7337, 301-496-8584, backingc@mail.nih.gov, Page Chiapella, PhD, Division of Treatment and Recovery Research, National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, 5635 Fishers Lane, MSC 9304, Bethesda, MD 20892-9304, Erik M. Augustson, PhD, MPH, Tobacco Control Research Branch, SAIC/National Cancer Institute, Executive Plaza North, Room 4039B, 6130 Executive Boulevard, MSC 7337, Bethesda, MD 20852-7337, Stephen J. Heishman, PhD, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 5500 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, and William Riley, PhD, National Institute of Mental Health, Health and Behavior Research Branch, 6001 Executive Blvd., MSC 9623, Bethesda, MD 20892-9623.

It is commonly known that tobacco use, by itself, adversely affects both the individual's health and the health of those exposed to cigarette smoke. Less is known, however, about health effects when the tobacco use is associated with one or more other diseases. In fact, these go beyond simply the additive effects of having comorbid diseases, and each disease influences the progression and/or treatment of the other. This panel discussion seeks to explore these complex, dynamic interactions. Dr. Page Chiapella (NIAAA) will discuss data from a recent national survey (n=43,000) that permits extensive evaluation of joint use of tobacco and alcohol with additional psychological comorbidities. Dr. Erik Augustson (NCI) will discuss the dynamic relationships between smoking and two other key health behaviors: diet and activity, and why researchers should consider smoking when evaluating health behavior. Dr. Stephen Heishman (NIDA) will discuss how cravings for tobacco or illicit drugs influence one another in drug users who also smoke, and how this dynamic interaction could be important when considering treatment. Dr. William Riley (NIMH) will discuss the high rates of smoking among psychiatric disorders and the possible mechanisms responsible for this relationship.

Dr. Cathy Backinger (NCI) will act as discussant, and lead an interactive conversation with the panelists. Questions and comments from the audience are encouraged.

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will be able identify at least 3 health risk behaviors associated with tobacco use.
• Attendees will be able to describe how various health risk behaviors such as alcohol use, illicit drug use, poor diet and physical activity, and mental health disorders interact with tobacco use.
• Attendees will be able to describe the public health implications for treatment of people with comorbidities.

Keywords: Health Risks, Tobacco

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation