Development and validation of a cluster-based classification system to facilitate treatment tailoring

Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. 2008 Jun;17 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S65-9. doi: 10.1002/mpr.251.

Abstract

Aims: The objectives of this study were to replicate smoker profiles identified in Batra et al. (in press) and to develop a cluster-based classification system to categorize new cases into smoker profiles so that an appropriate tailored intervention could be applied.

Methods: Participants were smokers in southwest Germany who sought treatment for smoking cessation. In the first sample, discriminant analysis was used to create classification formulas for a future study (classification sample: n = 165). The second sample served to replicate the smoker profiles, which included participants reporting symptoms of hyperactivity/novelty-seeking, depressivity or high nicotine dependence as well as participants scoring low across smoking and psychological variables (replication sample: N = 134).

Results: Part 1 was focused on the development of formulas, using Fisher's coefficients, with which new cases could be classified. Part 2 adequately replicated previous findings concerning the smoker profiles, such that 70% of participants in the second sample were classified identically using cluster analysis and classification formulas.

Conclusions: The smoker profiles found in a previous study were replicated, and a classification system was developed for a future study which will test the efficacy of tailored treatments for the different smoker profiles.

Aims: The objectives of this study were to replicate smoker profiles identified in Batra et al. (in press) and to develop a cluster‐based classification system to categorize new cases into smoker profiles so that an appropriate tailored intervention could be applied.

Methods: Participants were smokers in southwest Germany who sought treatment for smoking cessation. In the first sample, discriminant analysis was used to create classification formulas for a future study (classification sample: n = 165). The second sample served to replicate the smoker profiles, which included participants reporting symptoms of hyperactivity/novelty‐seeking, depressivity or high nicotine dependence as well as participants scoring low across smoking and psychological variables (replication sample: N = 134).

Results: Part 1 was focused on the development of formulas, using Fisher's coefficients, with which new cases could be classified. Part 2 adequately replicated previous findings concerning the smoker profiles, such that 70% of participants in the second sample were classified identically using cluster analysis and classification formulas.

Conclusions: The smoker profiles found in a previous study were replicated, and a classification system was developed for a future study which will test the efficacy of tailored treatments for the different smoker profiles. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Cluster Analysis
  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Depression / psychology
  • Exploratory Behavior
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking Cessation / methods*
  • Smoking Prevention*
  • Social Facilitation*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*