Smoke What?: The Nicotine Dependence Experiences of Urban, African American Youth

Background: Nicotine dependence is a formidable impediment to quitting smoking. For urban, minority youth, this is particularly significant as there is a paucity of effective smoking cessation interventions specifically targeting them. The importance of understanding nicotine dependence during adolescence is based on several factors: young people desire to quit smoking; low rates of cessation among youth; the occurrence of nicotine withdrawal before the onset of daily smoking; and evidence of the link between tobacco use and major chronic tobacco-related illnesses. Despite the recognition of the central role of nicotine dependence in smoking cessation, there is a dearth of information about how nicotine dependence is expressed by young smokers. Methods: This study employed focus groups to assess the nicotine dependence experiences and symptoms among 30 African American current or former smokers, ages 13-21 years. Specifically, the study examined how language was used to define nicotine dependence; and how youth contextualize factors associated with dependence including, cigarette use, stress, tobacco advertising, and peer social dynamics. Results: Preliminary data show that participants associated nicotine dependence with the amount of cigarettes smoked per day, the intensity of cravings, and the relationship between their tobacco and marijuana use. Additionally, their smoking experiences were impacted by the unique challenges they faced within their community, including a disproportionate amount of targeted tobacco advertising, easy access to tobacco products, and unmet cessation needs. Conclusions: These findings can inform researchers and practitioners of critical factors to address in the design of effective smoking cessation interventions targeting urban, minority youth.