Abstract

Background: Little is known about work strain and smoking, and even less about work strain and nicotine dependence.

Aim: To investigate the relations of perceived work strain with nicotine dependence among an adult general population sample.

Method: Cross sectional survey with a probability sample of residents of a northern German area with 4075 participants, aged 18–64 years (participation rate 70.2%). The current study is based on 2549 participants who were working 15 or more hours per week. Face to face at-home computer aided interviews (World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview) were carried out. Work strain, defined as high work demand and low work control, was assessed with a questionnaire. Nicotine dependence was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) of the American Psychiatric Association. In addition, the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was used.

Results: Subjects with work strain had an odds ratio of 1.6 (95% CI 1.2 to 2.3) for nicotine dependence compared to those who had no work strain. In a general linear model, higher work strain was associated with a stronger relation between work demand and work control and the FTND. The findings were adjusted for alcohol use disorders, occupational status, age, and sex.

Conclusion: Perceived work strain is related to nicotine dependence in this general adult population.