Gender differences in self-reported withdrawal symptoms and reducing or quitting smoking three years later: A prospective, longitudinal examination of U.S. adults

Abstract

Background Little is known about gender differences in withdrawal symptoms among smokers in the community. This study used longitudinal epidemiologic data to examine gender differences in current smokers’ report of withdrawal symptoms during past quit attempts and the relationship between withdrawal symptoms and the odds of reducing or quitting smoking three years later. Methods Data were drawn from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC; Wave 1, 2001–2001, n=43,093; Wave 2, 2004–2005, n=34,653). Analyses were conducted on respondents who reported current daily cigarette smoking at Wave 1 (n=6,911). Withdrawal symptoms during past quit attempts were assessed at Wave 1. Current smoking status was assessed at Wave 2. Results Wave 1 current smoking women, compared to men, were more likely to endorse any withdrawal symptoms, withdrawal-related discomfort, and withdrawal-related relapse (ps<0.0001). Women endorsed a greater number of withdrawal symptoms than men (M=2.37, SE=0.05 versus M=1.78, SE=0.04; p<0.0001). The odds of reducing and quitting smoking were significantly lower for respondents who reported any Wave 1 withdrawal symptoms, withdrawal-related discomfort, and withdrawal-related relapse. These relationships did not differ for women versus men. Among men, the odds of reducing smoking at Wave 2 decreased significantly with each cumulative withdrawal symptom compared to women (β interaction= 0.87; p=0.01). Conclusions Women were more likely to report withdrawal while the relationship between withdrawal symptoms and decreased likelihood of reducing smoking was stronger in men. Identifying gender differences in withdrawal can help develop strategies to help reduce withdrawal for both men and women.

Intolerance for smoking abstinence among nicotine-deprived, treatment-seeking smokers

“…Women in the present study may have perceived their withdrawal state to be more aversive or distressing than men (Leventhal et al, 2007). Alternatively, women may have been more willing to report difficulty tolerating withdrawal (Weinberger, Platt, Shuter, & Goodwin, 2016).…”

Tobacco withdrawal among opioid-dependent smokers.

“…In the present secondary analysis, we sought to evaluate tobacco withdrawal in opioid-dependent (OD) smokers vs. smokers without comorbid substance use disorders (SUDs) using data from five outpatient laboratory studies which were conducted at the University of Vermont by our research group and utilized a uniform platform of daily visits involving biochemical monitoring, assessment of withdrawal, and delivery of financial incentives contingent on smoking abstinence (Bradstreet et al, 2014; Dunn, Sigmon, Thomas, Heil, & Higgins, 2008; Dunn et al, 2010; Sigmon et al, 2015; Yoon, Higgins, Bradstreet, Badger, & Thomas, 2009). Also of interest was whether gender was a moderator of nicotine withdrawal given that prior literature in the general population has suggested an association between gender and tobacco withdrawal and/or craving (e.g., Eissenberg, Adams, Riggins, & Likness, 1999; Leventhal et al, 2007; Pang & Leventhal, 2013; Piasecki, Jorenby, Smith, Fiore, & Baker, 2003; Weinberger, Platt, Shuter, & Goodwin, 2016).…”

Gender Differences of Arterial Stiffness and Arterial Age in Smokers

“…Gender differences in smoking and smoking withdrawal vary across countries and different cultures, according to several socio-economic and individual factors [14,15]. …”

“…All-cause and cardiovascular mortality are higher in men than in women, but there is a higher increase of cardiovascular mortality in women with age, especially after menopause, due to estrogen deficiency [ 13 ]. Gender differences in smoking and smoking withdrawal vary across countries and different cultures, according to several socio-economic and individual factors [ 14 , 15 ].…”