Symptoms of diminished autonomy over cigarettes with non-daily use

Judith A. Savageau, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Paul D. Mowery, Biostatistics, Inc.
Joseph R. DiFranza, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Abstract

Data from a nationally representative sample of smokers (ages 12-22 years, n=2,091) was examined to investigate the prevalence of symptoms of diminished autonomy over cigarettes. Six symptoms were assessed: failed cessation, smoking despite a desire to quit, and a need or urge to smoke, irritability, restlessness, or disrupted concentration attributed to nicotine withdrawal. One or more of the six symptoms were present in 18.9% of subjects who smoked less often than once per week. Among subjects who had not smoked 20 cigarettes in their lifetime, 12.6% had symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, and 25% had made an unsuccessful quit attempt.