Does Self-Rated Addiction and the Heaviness of Smoking Index Predict Nicotine Replacement Therapy Product Use in Adolescent Smokers?

Abstract

Few studies have examined predictors of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) product use among adolescents. Using a population-based sample of 14- to 18-year-olds, we examined if self-rated addiction and Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI) were associated with NRT use in 913 daily smokers. The ever-use prevalence of NRT was 24%. Boys smoked more cigarettes per day than girls and scored higher on HSI, but they perceived themselves to be less addicted. Compared to nonusers, a greater proportion of NRT users perceived themselves as addicted and demonstrated greater dependence on HSI. Perceiving oneself as addicted and having high HSI scores were associated with NRT use.