Multivariate framework of the brief questionnaire of smoking urges

We conducted an investigation of the 10-item Brief Questionnaire of Smoking Urges (QSU-Brief) to confirm its hypothesized two-factor structure and to assess the validity and reliability of its total score and these factors. Data were obtained from a 7-week clinical trial on smoking cessation (N=626). The hypothesized two-factor structure of the QSU-Brief was supported by fit indexes (>0.90) from a confirmatory factor analysis at each of three relevant time points (baseline, Week 2, Week 4). Corresponding values of Cronbach's alpha were acceptable (>0.75) on the Total Craving Score and on Factors 1 and 2. This research supports the validity and reliability of the instrument and confirms the proposed two-dimensional structure of self-reported craving as measured by the QSU-Brief. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.