Thom Taylor

Differences between intermittent and light daily smokers in a population of U.S. military recruits.

INTRODUCTION Few studies have assessed differences between intermittent and light smokers, particularly among young adults. Exploring these differences promotes a systematic approach to research and treatment in low-level smokers. This study explored demographic, tobacco-related, and psychosocial predictors of intermittent nondaily smoking relative to light smoking among basic military training (BMT) recruits. The impact of smoking status on abstinence rates at follow-up was also assessed. METHODS Participants were 5,603 U.S. Air Force BMT intermittent nondaily (n = 3,134) or light daily (n = 2,469) smoking recruits participating in a population-based group randomized trial targeting tobacco use prevention and cessation (Klesges et al., 2006, Efficacy of a tailored tobacco control program on long-term use in a population of U.S. military troops. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74, 295-306.). Participants completed baseline measures assessing demographics; tobacco use and history; and common social, attitudinal, and behavioral risk factors for tobacco use. Flights of recruits were randomly assigned to a tobacco use intervention or health education control intervention. At the 1-year follow-up, participants reported 7-day point prevalence and continuous abstinence. RESULTS Intermittent nondaily smoking relative to light daily smoking was associated with lesser perceived addiction, intermittent and daily use of smokeless tobacco, nonsmoking male and female heads of household, lesser likelihood of smoking while stressed or while bored, and higher likelihood of intentions to quit smoking. Intermittent smokers were significantly more likely than light daily smokers to report abstinence at follow-up. DISCUSSION Intermittent and daily light smokers differ on several tobacco-related and psychosocial variables. Attending to these factors in prevention and cessation programs may enhance abstinence in both groups.

Multiple health behaviors: Patterns and correlates of diet and exercise in a Hispanic college sample

Obesity rates are alarming in various ethnocultural groups, particularly in Hispanics. With Hispanics being the fastest growing group to enter college, the aims of the current study were to examine patterns and correlates of exercise and dietary behaviors in Hispanic college students. Data were collected from 693 Hispanic undergraduates who enrolled online and received course extra credit for participation. Individuals completed questionnaires assessing constructs of the transtheoretical model for three health behaviors (exercise, dietary fat, and fruit/vegetable stages of change) along with demographic, psychosocial, and acculturation measures. Less than 1% of students had 0 obesity-relevant risks, while 68% indicated 2 or more risks. Only 2% of the sample met fruit and vegetable guidelines. Lower income was associated with greater obesity-relevant risks, while stress coping ability was associated with fewer such risks. Findings indicate specific obesity risk behaviors in Hispanic college students and suggest demographic and psychosocial targets for prevention and intervention according to stage of change.

Correlates of weight concern and control in a Hispanic college student sample.

This study examined the relationships between weight concern and control and theoretically and empirically relevant correlates in a Hispanic college student sample. Participants were 163 Hispanic college students who completed measures assessing demographics, willingness to put health at risk to lose weight, unhealthy weight loss methods, acculturation, body weight and fitness happiness and importance, and sociocultural attitudes toward appearance. Body mass index was also assessed. Females internalized sociocultural attitudes toward appearance more and found personal attractiveness more important than males, while males were less happy with their personal attractiveness. Internalization of sociocultural attitudes toward appearance and BMI predicted the degree to which individuals were willing to put their health at risk to lose weight. The previous factors, as well as the importance of body weight and fitness and being female, were significant predictors of number of unhealthy weight loss methods employed to lose weight. These data indicate that within a Hispanic college student population, weight concern and control issues are relevant considerations for future studies and the development and assessment of weight loss interventions.

Prescription drug misuse, illicit drug use, and their potential risk and protective correlates in a Hispanic college student sample

Illicit substance use has increased in Hispanics. Recent trends also warrant focus on prescription drug misuse, given its increased prevalence among college students. The aims of this study were to assess prescription drug misuse and illicit drug use in Hispanic students, as well as potential theoretically and empirically based risk and protective factors. Hispanic students (n = 435; 59% female) from a U.S. university located on the border with México completed a sociodemographic survey, licit, illicit, and prescription drug use frequency questionnaires, an attitudes and beliefs about prescription drugs survey, the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales, the Collectivist Coping Styles Measure, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. A hierarchical logistic regression assessed prescription drug misuse predictors including demographics, licit/illicit substance use, attitudes toward prescription drug use, acculturation, distress symptoms, coping style, perceived social support, and the interaction between distress symptoms and acculturation. A negative binomial regression assessed predictors of past 30-day illegal drug use (the same predictors as the previous model except illicit drug use). Results indicated that positive attitudes toward prescription drugs, higher anxiety, and lower depressive symptomatology increased the odds of prescription drug misuse. Past 30-day alcohol use, positive attitudes toward prescription drugs, and higher acculturation predicted past 30-day illicit drug use. Prescription drug misuse was differentially associated with distress symptoms, whereas the convergence model of acculturation was supported regarding illegal drug use. Inconsistent with hypotheses, protective factors were not significantly associated with substance use.

Craving effect of smoking cues in smoking and antismoking stimuli in light smokers.

Cue-reactivity models may be able to inform light and intermittent smoking patterns not yet explained by withdrawal models. For instance, smoking cues in smoking and antismoking advertisements may elicit cravings in smokers at equal rates, which may promote smoking maintenance. Moreover, smoking has been associated with impulsivity, but has not been explored in light and intermittent smokers (LITS). Aims of this study included the assessment of the impact of smoking and antismoking advertisements on post-exposure cravings in LITS and assessment of impulsivity as a moderator between cue exposure and cravings. Data from 155 LITS were analyzed. Participants were exposed to one of three stimuli conditions (i.e., smoking, antismoking, and neutral) and completed measures of demographics, tobacco use and history, impulsivity, and cravings. Univariate analysis demonstrated that smoking stimuli produced higher cravings relative to antismoking and neutral stimuli, whereas no differences between antismoking and neutral stimuli were observed. Impulsivity did not moderate the relationship between stimuli condition and cravings. Implications stemming from these findings include the further regulation of smoking advertisements and future exploration of smoking and smoking cessation in the context of cue-reactivity.

A Smoke-Free Paso del Norte: Impact Over 10 Years on Smoking Prevalence Using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

OBJECTIVES We assessed the impact of a tobacco control initiative over 10 years on cessation and prevention. METHODS We examined 2000-2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System cases of a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) with systematic tobacco control efforts throughout the decade (El Paso, TX) and 2 comparison MSAs similar in size and population with less coordinated tobacco control efforts (Austin-Round Rock, TX and San Antonio, TX). RESULTS Yearly, El Paso exhibited a 6% increase in the prevalence of former smokers, a 6% decrease in prevalence of daily smokers, and a 7% decrease in the prevalence of established smoking (≥ 100 cigarettes per lifetime and currently smoking); we did not observe similar trends in the comparison MSAs. There was no change in the prevalence of nondaily smokers in any of the MSAs. CONCLUSIONS The coordinated tobacco control activities in El Paso are related to cessation among daily smokers and prevention of established smoking at the population level but have not stimulated cessation among nondaily smokers. Comprehensive tobacco control should focus more on not only daily smokers but also nondaily smokers.

Light smoking in a predominantly Hispanic college student sample: A 7 day diary assessment

Both Hispanic and college student populations smoke at non trivial rates but less frequently than other smoking groups. Limited information exists about the at risk times for smoking among those who smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes per day, particularly college students. Participants (n=116 young adults) completed a 7 day Tobacco Consumption Diary by recording for each cigarette smoked: time and day, location, number of people present, number of smokers present, mood, and whether alcohol was consumed. Descriptive analyses suggest a variety of psycho-social contexts within which light smoking may occur for a predominantly Hispanic sample of college students. Inferential analyses reveal a somewhat heterogeneous pattern of light smoking. Nevertheless, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, as well as later hours of each day in particular are associated with an increased likelihood of smoking. Further study of intra-individual patterns of both Hispanic and college student light smoking is needed to identify the ideographic triggers that can be intervened upon to aid light smokers in cessation.