Smoking and depressive symptoms in a college population.

A number of studies have documented the relationship between smoking and depression in adolescent and adult populations. The purpose of this study was to examine the level of depressive symptoms among college-age smokers and to determine whether or not increases in cigarette use were associated with increases in the number of depressive symptoms. A non-experimental cross-sectional design was used. Of the random sample (N = 895), 28% were current smokers, and more than 26% of the total sample reported high levels of depressive symptoms. Current smokers were more likely to report an increased level of depressive symptoms than nonsmokers were. Correlates of depressive symptoms included grade point average, marijuana use, and increased work hours. When controlling for these variables, the number of days smoked was predictive of depressive symptoms. School nurses have an important role in preventing smoking and treating smokers, as well as in preparing adolescents for the transition to college where many begin smoking.