Validation of the Dimensions of Tobacco Dependence Scale for adolescents

The purpose of this study was to refine the Dimensions of Tobacco Dependence Scale (DTDS) - a measure of tobacco dependence for adolescents - by removing poorly discriminating items, testing the measurement structure of the remaining items and examining the predictive utility of the resulting scale in terms of its ability to explain the average number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD). A total of 1425 current smokers (mean age 16 years) completed the questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analyses of the DTDS items supported a 4-factor model composed of social, emotional, nicotine and sensory related dimensions of tobacco dependence. Predictive utility and incremental validity of the DTDS was evident in the many sizable correlations between the DTDS and CPD as well as measures of self-rated addiction after controlling for scores on several other commonly used measures of nicotine dependence. The results indicate that the DTDS is a reliable and valid measure of tobacco dependence for adolescents that has the potential to enhance our understanding of the complex processes driving the emergence of tobacco dependence and cigarette smoking.