Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Cigarette Use among College Students

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and cigarette smoking are positively associated among older adolescents.However, the specific symptoms of ADHD that contribute to this relationship remain unclear. We hypothesized that college smokers would report greater inattention and impulsivity compared to nonsmokers. Methods: College students (N=385; non-smokers = 296; smokers =89) completed the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire and the impulsivity subscale of the Zuckerman Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire. Oneway analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) compared differences by smoking status. Results: College smokers reported significantly greater inattention [M=22.87 (SD= 9.89)] and impulsivity [M=12.2 (SD= 3.94)] compared to non-smokers [M= 21.17 (SD= 8.68); M= 9.10 (SD=3.88), respectively]. Conclusions: Findings suggest that college smokers may have difficulty with cognitive and emotional regulation. This is important to address given the lower academic success among students with ADHD symptoms. Moreover, these difficulties are associated with smoking maintenance and difficulty quitting. Cessation interventions targeting college students might address these factors.