Assessment of Depression among African American Light Smokers

• Authors: Carla Berg, Emory University; Lisa Sanderson Cox, University of Kansas; Won S. Choi, University of Kansas; Matthew S. Mayo, University of Kansas; Ron Krebill, University of Kansas; Carrie A. Bronars, University of Kansas; Jasjit S. Ahluwalia, University of Minnesota
• Journal Title: Journal of Health Psychology
• Volume: Volume 17, Number 2
• Publisher: SAGE Publications (UK and US) | 2012-03-01, Pages 197-206
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/1359105311414953
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Public Health; Psychology, General
• Keywords: Social Sciences; Psychology, Clinical; Psychology; depression; nicotine dependence; psychological distress; race; smoking; smoking cessation; SMOKING-CESSATION; MAJOR DEPRESSION; NICOTINE DEPENDENCE; SELF-REPORT; PERCEIVED STRESS; RANDOMIZED-TRIAL; NEGATIVE AFFECT; SOCIAL SUPPORT; YOUNG-ADULTS; SYMPTOMS

Abstract

Given the relationship between depression and smoking, we compared the two-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) and 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) in assessing depressive symptoms among African American light smokers in a clinical trial of bupropion. Of 539 participants, 21.3 percent reported significant depressive symptoms on the PHQ-2, 31.0 percent screened positive per CESD-10, 36.8 percent reported symptoms on either, and 15.6 percent screened positive on both (r = 0.47, p <.001). Having depressive symptoms was associated with less education, decreased positive affect and social support, and greater levels of negative affect and perceived stress. Cessation treatment should assess depression and address these symptoms.