A comparison of the psychometric properties of the hooked on nicotine checklist and the modified Fagerstrom tolerance questionnaire

Robert J. Wellman, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Joseph R. DiFranza, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Lori Pbert, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Kenneth E. Fletcher, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Alan J. Flint, Harvard School of Public Health
Martin H. Young, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Susan Druker, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Abstract

We compared the psychometric properties of the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC) and the Modified Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire (MFTQ). Adolescent current smokers (n = 215) completed both instruments three times, at baseline and 6- and 12-month follow-up. Internal consistency of the HONC was high (alpha = 0.92), as was its stability over the follow-up interval (intraclass correlation (ICC) = 0.93 over 6 months and 0.91 over 1 year). Internal consistency of the MFTQ was acceptable (alpha = 0.83), and its stability over the follow-up interval was similar to that reported previously (ICC = 0.79 at 6 months and 0.76 at 1 year). The HONC predicted smoking at both follow-up points, while the MFTQ did so only at 6 months. The HONC compared favorably with the MFTQ in all respects. The most important advantage of the HONC is that it is measuring a clearly defined concept, diminished autonomy over tobacco, which begins when the sequelae of tobacco use present a barrier to quitting.