CIGARETTE-SMOKING PREDICTS DEVELOPMENT OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG US ADOLESCENTS

To examine whether adolescent cigarette smoking predicts the developme nt of depressive symptoms, Mle used a longitudinal follow-rtp survey o f 6,863 adolescents ages 12 to 18 in the U.S. who did not repel? notab le depressive symptoms at baseline. This study used a self-report meas ure of six depressive symptoms experienced within the past twelve mont hs at follow-up as the outcome of interest. Results indicated that 11. 5% developed notable depressive symptoms at follow-up. There were mark ed gender differences with 15.3% of girls developing notable depressiv e symptoms compared to 8.1% of boys. Gender differences in depressive symptoms were consistent across all age groups and were apparent by th e age of twelve. For both genders, smoking status was the most signifi cant predictor of developing notable depressive symptoms. Several othe r risk factors including involvement in organized athletics, availabil ity of social support, and personality characteristics,were also found to be associated,with development of depressive symptoms. Adolescent cigarette smoking mag. have marked health consequences in terms of dep ressive symptoms. The reduction of cigarette smoking among adolescents should be a focus of depression prevention interventions. In addition , the development of gender-specific components of prevention interven tions may be warranted.