Revealing the multidimensional framework of the Minnesota nicotine withdrawal scale

Abstract

Objectives: The version of the Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale (MNWS) under consideration consists of nine items. No psychometric analyses of this version have been published. The objectives of this investigation were to perform a factor analysis and to further assess the psychometric properties of the MNWS.Research design and methods: Data came from three Phase II clinical trials on varenicline, developed for smoking cessation, in a sample of smokers. Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the structure of the MNWS in the first completed study ( n = 626) over various time periods. The postulated factor structure was then tested in a set of confirmatory analyses conducted on two subsequent studies ( n = 627, n = 312). The proposed structure was further evaluated through construct validity and reliability analyses.Main outcome measures: The nine items of the MNWS included the following: urge to smoke (craving); depressed mood; irritability, frustration, or anger; anxiety; difficulty co...