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Open Access Publications from the University of California

Scholarly Works (2 results)

  • Article
  • Peer Reviewed
UC San Francisco Previously Published Works (2009)
Different language versions of the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) have been developed, but no studies have evaluated measurement equivalence between the respective non-English and English versions. We investigated differential item functioning (DIF) of the English and Chinese versions using a multidimensional item response theory approach. A community sample of 409 American smokers completed the English version (n=241) and the Chinese version (n=168). Results indicated two correlated dimensions (morning and daytime nicotine dependence) of the FTND and one item (difficult to refrain) showing significant large DIF, suggesting respondents using the Chinese version were more likely to endorse this item and report more difficulty to refrain from smoking at various public places even after controlling for the nicotine dependence level. However, the impact of this DIF item was found negligible on the scale level, suggesting the acceptability of conducting scale-level analysis using both language versions. Further analysis revealed that the reliabilities of two dimensions did not meet the commonly accepted standard. Suggestions were made to improve scale reliabilities of the FTND.
    • Article
    • Peer Reviewed
    UC Berkeley Previously Published Works (2005)

    BACKGROUND: Depression symptoms and diagnoses are associated with failure to quit smoking in most studies, but not all. METHOD: A new measure of internalization (i.e. symptoms of depression or anxiety, or poor mood) was created to investigate whether internalization would predict smoking cessation in 549 smokers from three randomized clinical trials with inconsistent findings. RESULTS: Predicted item locations based on a map of the construct of internalization agreed with empirical locations based on item response theory. Internalization was highly correlated with neuroticism. Logistic regressions showed that internalization improved upon the predictions of other affect-related measures. High baseline internalization decreased abstinence from smoking at end of treatment and 3 months thereafter. History of major depression (single-episode or recurrent) failed to predict abstinence. CONCLUSIONS: The broad, dimensional construct of internalization as conceptualized herein appears to be an important predictor of smoking cessation.

      Cover page: The construct of internalization: conceptualization, measurement, and prediction of smoking treatment outcome.
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