| |
Abstract:
Most use of tobacco, the major cause of premature death in
the U.S., begins during adolescence. Subjects for this analysis,
drawn from a longitudinal risk study, included N=48 males first
assessed at age 10-12 and again at age 16. Tobacco exposure was
determined by plasma cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine. Regression
analysis indicated that three measures taken during the first
assessment predicted tobacco exposure 4-6 years later, as verified
by cotinine levels. Childhood factors associated with tobacco use
at age 16 were these: (1) diminished ERP amplitudes at
fronto-central leads; (2) decreased sleep regularity, as measured
in the Dimensions of Temperament Survey; and (3) increased maternal
stress, as determined from the Parental Stress Scale. Childhood
measures accounted for 36% of the variance in nicotine exposure .
These findings underscore the value of considering a broad context
of neurocognitive and other factors that influence the likelihood
of substance use.
|
