Journal article
Gender differences in self-reported withdrawal symptoms and reducing or quitting smoking three years later: A prospective, longitudinal examination of U.S. adults
Drug and alcohol dependence, Vol.165, pp.253-259
08/01/2016
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.06.013
PMCID: PMC4966547
PMID: 27350655
Abstract
•We examined gender differences in self-reported withdrawal symptoms in U.S. adults.•Women were more likely than men to endorse withdrawal symptoms.•Women were more likely to endorse withdrawal-related discomfort and relapse.•Men demonstrated a stronger relationship between withdrawal symptoms and lower likelihood of reducing smoking.
Little is known about gender differences in withdrawal symptoms among smokers in the community. This study used longitudinal epidemiologic data to examine gender differences in current smokers’ report of withdrawal symptoms during past quit attempts and the relationship between withdrawal symptoms and the odds of reducing or quitting smoking three years later.
Data were drawn from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC; Wave 1, 2001-2001, n=43,093; Wave 2, 2004–2005, n=34,653). Analyses were conducted on respondents who reported current daily cigarette smoking at Wave 1 (n=6911). Withdrawal symptoms during past quit attempts were assessed at Wave 1. Current smoking status was assessed at Wave 2.
Wave 1 current smoking women, compared to men, were more likely to endorse any withdrawal symptoms, withdrawal-related discomfort, and withdrawal-related relapse (ps<0.0001). Women endorsed a greater number of withdrawal symptoms than men (M=2.37, SE=0.05 versus M=1.78, SE=0.04; p<0.0001). The odds of reducing and quitting smoking were significantly lower for respondents who reported any Wave 1 withdrawal symptoms, withdrawal-related discomfort, and withdrawal-related relapse. These relationships did not differ for women versus men. Among men, the odds of reducing smoking at Wave 2 decreased significantly with each cumulative withdrawal symptom compared to women (β interaction=0.87; p=0.01).
Women were more likely to report withdrawal while the relationship between withdrawal symptoms and decreased likelihood of reducing smoking was stronger in men. Identifying gender differences in withdrawal can help develop strategies to help reduce withdrawal for both men and women.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Gender differences in self-reported withdrawal symptoms and reducing or quitting smoking three years later: A prospective, longitudinal examination of U.S. adults
- Creators
- Andrea H Weinberger - Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10461, USAJonathan M Platt - Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USAJonathan Shuter - AIDS Center and Division of Infectious Diseases, Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USARenee D Goodwin - Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Drug and alcohol dependence, Vol.165, pp.253-259
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ireland Ltd
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.06.013
- PMID
- 27350655
- PMCID
- PMC4966547
- ISSN
- 0376-8716
- eISSN
- 1879-0046
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 08/01/2016
- Academic Unit
- Epidemiology
- Record Identifier
- 9984214715502771
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