Predictors of current need to smoke in inmates of a smoke-free jail

A popular correctional policy has been the implementation of smoking bans for inmates. Although there is little cigarette smoking research with this population, research with other groups suggests that high levels of post-cessation cravings are associated with smoking relapse. The present study analyzed the relationship of demographic and smoking history variables, length of time incarcerated, and future intention to smoke upon release with current need to smoke in jail inmates. Participants were 150 male inmates housed in a smoke-free county jail who were intensively interviewed about smoking behavior as part of a larger study. Results indicated that stated future intention to smoke predicted current need to smoke in inmates, while length of time in jail did not. Nicotine dependence was not related either to the current need to smoke or future intention to smoke. These findings were consistent with previous inmate smoking research and have clinical implications for inmate smokers.