Predictors of health functioning in two high-risk groups of smokers

Authors

Judith J. Prochaska, University of California, San Francisco
James L. Sorensen, University of California, San Francisco
Sharon M. Hall, University of California, San Francisco
Joseph S. Rossi, University of Rhode Island
Colleen A. Redding, University of Rhode Island
Amy B. Rosen, University of California, San Francisco
Stuart J. Eisendrath, University of California, San Francisco
Marc R. Meisner, Kaiser Permanente

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

5-9-2005

Abstract

The relative and combined health effects of cigarette smoking, heroin use, and depression were examined in 322 clinically depressed smokers and 117 opioid-dependent smokers participating in two studies of the San Francisco Treatment Research Center. Opioid-dependent smokers averaged 16 years (S.D. = 9) of heroin use; 3% of depressed smokers used opiates in the past 6 months. Cigarettes per day (M = 15, S.D. = 10) and Beck Depression (BDI-II) scores (M = 21, S.D. = 11) were comparable between the two groups. Health functioning was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36). Adjusting for demographic differences, depressed smokers reported better physical but poorer emotional health relative to opioid-dependent smokers. Both groups scored significantly lower than published norms (p <. 05). Within groups, severity of depressive symptoms, tobacco use, and opiate use were independent predictors of lower health functioning (p <. 05). Examining risk-related subgroups based on depression scores (BDI-II ≥ 20), cigarettes per day (≥1 pack), and opiate use, number of risk factors was monotonically related to health functioning in both samples. Individuals with two or more risk factors scored the lowest (p <. 05). Severity of depressive symptoms, tobacco use, and opiate use contributed individually and collectively to lower health functioning. Blended treatments that target multiple risk factors are needed to improve health outcomes. © 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

Volume

78

Issue

2

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Prochaska, Judith J., James L. Sorensen, Sharon M. Hall, Joseph S. Rossi, Colleen A. Redding, Amy B. Rosen, Stuart J. Eisendrath, and Marc R. Meisner. "Predictors of health functioning in two high-risk groups of smokers." Drug and Alcohol Dependence 78, 2 (2005): 169-175. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2004.10.012.