The purpose of this study is to describe demographics, tobacco history, health status, and psychosocial response of women addicted to tobacco in order to design a future multicomponent intervention that includes a personal digital assistant for home follow-up. Although women have different responses when quitting, there is little differentiation in treatment. Data was collected from a sample of 48 women from a hospital and clinic setting in the Midwest. Inclusion criteria were: adults, stable condition, not pregnant, smoking but had set a quit date and were developing a quit plan. Variables were demographics, tobacco history, and a battery of instruments to collect biopsychosocial characteristics. Findings showed the age was 45.2 (±11), and 82% were Caucasian, 18% married, 38% unmarried/living with a partner, and 42% unmarried/living alone. Only 19% reported regular exercise and BMI was 29.3 (±8). Pack years was 33.92 (±21.33), Fagerstrom dependence score was 7.0 (±2.1), self-efficacy to quit was 7.0 (±2.1), and number of times quit in the past was only 2.0 (±1.9). The CESD depression score was 23.83 (±12.0), 38% reported taking antidepressants and 54% had a history of depression. A spouse, child or other relative was chosen as a support partner for the quit plan but 40% of partners smoked. Positive/negative partner interaction ratio was 2.1 (±1.7). Positive interaction correlated at the p<.05 level with BMI (r = .249), alcohol (r = -.215) and age of first cigarette (r= - 243). The CESD correlated with income (r = - .223, p < .10) and self-efficacy (r = -.242, p< .10). Findings support an evidence based approach when treating tobacco dependence and that women are a special population. In this sample, there was an inverse relation between depression and self-efficacy which may explain why women have more difficulty quitting and make less quit attempts.
Session #1300 - Alcohol & Tobacco Use: Focus on Special Populations
The 30th Annual MNRS Research Conference