Psychometric properties of the Autonomy over Tobacco Scale in German

Eur Addict Res. 2012;18(2):76-82. doi: 10.1159/000334410. Epub 2011 Dec 22.

Abstract

Background/aims: We investigated the psychometric properties of a German translation of the 12-item Autonomy over Tobacco Scale (AUTOS) among 1,195 eighth-grade students.

Methods: Data for this study were collected as part of the fourth wave of data collection of the Smokefree Class Competition intervention in the Saxony-Anhalt region of Germany. Students from the control arm of the Smokefree Class Competition study who indicated that they had ever smoked 'at least a few puffs' on a cigarette were classified as ever-smokers. They self-completed questionnaires distributed by teachers.

Results: AUTOS scores ranged from 0 to 36 with a distribution highly skewed toward lower-response categories. Inter-item correlations ranged from 0.65 to 0.89 (mean = 0.79, SD = 0.06). Composite reliability for the AUTOS was high (Ω = 0.96) and 3 lower-order factors were also reliable (withdrawal: 0.89, psychological dependence: 0.91, cue-induced cravings: 0.87). Concurrent validity was supported by strong relationships between the AUTOS and both lifetime cigarette consumption and current smoking frequency. Youths were 18 times more likely to be current smokers (95% CI = 11.9-27.2, p < 0.001) if they endorsed any AUTOS item.

Conclusion: The German AUTOS is reliable and valid, and the results are consistent with the English AUTOS for use with adolescents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personal Autonomy
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / standards
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires