[The diagnostics in the intensive interventions of treating tobacco use and dependence in Poland by using some recommended tests and theories--researcher's critical assessment].

BACKGROUND

Diagnostics in the intensive interventions of tobacco use and dependence should include, among others assessments of nicotine dependence, motivation to quit and readiness to change.

OBJECTIVE

Based on the own research findings critical researcher's assessment of the accuracy of some recommended diagnostic tests and theories such as Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence FTND, Schneider Test ST and Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour Changes for clinical practice in Poland.

METHODS

Data were collected between 2001 and 2007 in the outpatient clinic in Lodz where group-based smoking cessation intensive intervention was provided to smokers. Follow-up study by postal questionnaire and cotinine saliva test was performed in 2008. Some short- and long-term outcomes of the uni- and multivariate analyses with nicotine dependence and motivation to quit variables measured by FTND and ST were included into paper.

RESULTS

In the research population that was representative for treatment-seekers in Lodz, both of two variables differentiated the female population only, with FTND score <7 points as one of the predictors of quitting smoking in group-based intervention. Neither FTND nor ST differentiated male population in the research.

CONCLUSIONS

The conclusion of the paper based on the own research findings supported by subject literature is as following. The state of panel experts' recommendations refers to the nicotine dependence and motivation to quit should be defined in Poland as popularity outstrips evidence. The urgent revision of previous recommendations is needed. It should be provided for the clinical practice new tests. with high sensitivity better reflecting modern concepts of nicotine dependence as well as motivation and readiness to quit. The further research on assessment of diagnostic accuracy of recommended tools is needed.