Nicotine is the primary addictive component of tobacco products that leads to the learned behavior of tobacco use and, for many, chronic dependence. The ability to measure nicotine dependence is important for informing the development and implementation of interventions to reduce dependence symptoms when attempting to quit and also for informing the public and policy makers about the addictive potential of various products.
While there are multiple measures of nicotine dependence designed for cigarette smokers, there is very little data to inform if existing measures can be adapted to be valid for little cigar and cigarillo users or if new measures need to be developed.
The next Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods seminar will address the topic Wednesday, April 13, from noon to 1:15 in the ground floor conference room of the BioEnterprise Building.
Elizabeth Antognoli, a research associate in the departments of family medicine and public health, will present “Nicotine Dependence and Perceptions from Young Adults and Adolescents Who Smoke Little Cigars.”
She will explain the findings from 50 in-depth interviews with adolescents and young adults about their use and their experience and understanding of dependence and addiction.