Psychosocial predictors of nicotine dependence in Black and Puerto Rican adults: A longitudinal study

This study examined the psychosocial predictors of nicotine dependence in Blacks and Puerto Ricans. A longitudinal, prospective study design was employed. Data on five psychosocial domains were obtained from a four-wave study of tobacco use and smoking behavior; data were analyzed using logistic regression. Participants (N=475) included adult Blacks and Puerto Ricans initially recruited from urban public schools in New York City and interviewed when they were mean age 14 years, and then again when they were mean ages 19, 24, and 26 years. Structured interviews were administered at four points in time over a period of 12 years. Nicotine dependence was measured using a DSM-IV adapted version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview nicotine dependence measure. Logistic regression analyses showed that factors in each of five psychosocial domains (personality, drug use behavior, family, peer, and environment) significantly predicted nicotine dependence. The pattern of results was similar for both Black and Puerto Rican samples. Factors that protected against nicotine dependence included achievement, ego-integration, and a positive school climate. The findings indicate that a variety of risk factors contribute to the occurrence of nicotine dependence. When examining the causes of nicotine dependence, it is important to investigate an array of biopsychosocial and environmental factors.