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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
3327.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - Board 9

Abstract #111002

Smoker’s CAGE: Reliability and validity of a comprehensive measure of tobacco use with clinical and research utility

Scott, H. Frank, MD, MS, Division of Public Health, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., School of Medicine, WG-57, Cleveland, OH 44106, 216 368-3725, shf2@po.cwru.edu

Objective: This study examines the reliability and validity of the Smoker's CAGE (S-CAGE), a quantitative instrument for comprehensive assessment of tobacco use behavior in clinical and research settings. Methods: Current and former smokers (n=201) were recruited from nine family practice offices throughout the USA. Participants completed a 10-minute questionnaire including demographics; S-CAGE items; the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire (FTQ); and other health and smoking behaviors items. The S-CAGE items were analyzed using chi square; then subjected to data reduction utilizing principle component factor analysis with oblique rotation. Scales were created and Crohnbach's alpha computed. Correlations were utilized to assess relationships of the S-CAGE with smoking status, health variables, and smoking behaviors. T-tests were used to compare means for dichotomous variables while ANOVA served the same purpose for categorical variables. Results: The S-CAGE (alpha= .80) demonstrated strong psychometric properties and showed significant relationships with nicotine dependence variables including cessation difficulty (r= 0.55, p< .001) and tobacco related symptoms (r= 0.40, p< .001). These correlations were substantially higher than the FTQ. The S-CAGE reveals two domains: Affect Regulation Imperative (subscales: withdrawal dysphoria; affect related relapse; always smoke feelings; dysphoric affect toward abstinence; and dissonant tobacco use self image); and Physiologic Need for Nicotine (subscales or items: cigarettes per day; first cigarette of the day; nighttime smoking; and always smoke circumstances). Conclusion: The S-CAGE is a brief, highly reliable instrument with strong evidence of discriminant validity. Domains and subscales identified by the S-CAGE have utility for guiding treatment in the clinical setting.

Learning Objectives: The participant will

Keywords: Smoking, Primary Care

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.

Issues in Tobacco Control and Prevention Poster Session

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA