The NDIT study on TV! For more details, click on the Publications/NDIT on television tab

NDIT History

The NDIT (Nicotine Dependence in Teens) Study is a prospective cohort investigation of 1293 students recruited in 1999 from all grade 7 classes in 10 secondary schools in Montreal. Its main objective is to describe the development of symptoms of nicotine dependence (ND) in relation to cigarette smoking in adolescents, and to identify genetic, socio-demographic, psychosocial, and environmental risk factors for the onset of cigarette use and ND symptoms.

Schools for the NDIT Study were hand-picked in consultation with schools boards and school principals to assure a mix of students according to socioeconomic status (high, moderate, low), language (French, English), and place of residence (urban, suburban, rural).

Participants completed 45-minute, self-report questionnaires every 3-4 months over 5 years during secondary school (for a total of 20 questionnaires per student). The questionnaires collected detailed data on each participant's experience with cigarette smoking, as well as with the onset and experience of symptoms of nicotine dependence among those who had smoked. Also, to permit studies of other risk factors for cancer and cardiovascular disease, self-report data were collected on physical activity, sedentary behaviors, diet, and use of alcohol, and we measured height, weight, skinfold thickness, waist circumference, and blood pressure biannually. Blood samples were collected from over half of participants (n=523), in order to extract DNA and investigate genes that relate to smoking. All participants and a parent or guardian provided written informed consent.

Participants in the NDIT Study have now graduated from secondary school and have moved on to the job market, CEGEP or university. Over the next 5 years, from 2007 to 2012, data will be collected on their experiences with cigarette smoking as young adults. This phase of the study will permit more in-depth understanding of late onset smoking and of cessation, as these young people take on new roles and responsibilities in the work force, as spouses, and as young parents.

The NDIT Study is funded by the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC), with funds from the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). Our original funding was obtained in 1999. Funding was first renewed in 2002, and then again in 2006. The NCIC, which celebrates its 60th year in 2007, is Canada's premier research organization dedicated to supporting outstanding cancer research and advancing cancer control. The NDIT team is deeply grateful to the NCIC and the CCS for their continuing support of the NDIT Study.