Longitudinal trajectories of cigarette smoking following rape

J Trauma Stress. 2009 Apr;22(2):113-21. doi: 10.1002/jts.20398.

Abstract

Although prior research has identified increases in cigarette smoking following trauma exposure, no studies have examined longitudinal trajectories of smoking following rape. The present investigation identified and characterized longitudinal (< 3 months, 3-6 months, and > 6 months post-assault) trajectories of smoking (N = 152) following a rape in a sample of 268 sexual assault victims participating in a forensic medical exam. Further, the authors examined acute predictors of subsequent smoking trajectories. Of participants endorsing smoking post-rape, a two-class solution was identified, with the majority of participants (74.6%) evidencing moderate smoking with a slight decrease over time and remaining participants showing heavy smoking with a slight increase over time. Having sustained an injury, minority status, and post-examination distress all predicted subsequent smoking trajectory.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Rape*
  • Smoking / epidemiology*
  • Smoking / therapy
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Young Adult