A comparative study of reliability of self report of tobacco use among patients with bipolar and somatoform disorders

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use and reliability of self-reported tobacco use (both smoked and smokeless) among patients with bipolar disorder and somatoform disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at psychiatry out-patient department of a tertiary care hospital. A total of 50 consecutive patients were recruited. The subjects were asked about the use of tobacco products (smoked as well as smokeless) over the past one week. Those reporting affirmatively in response to the question were assessed using Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) scales. Quantitative urinary cotinine levels were assessed using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Calculation of Cohen's kappa using cross tabulation revealed discordance between the self-reported use of smoked as well as smokeless tobacco products in both the groups. Analysis using the lower cut off of 50 ng/ ml also revealed discordance between the self-reported tobacco use (smoked as well as smokeless) for both the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The reliability of self-report is questionable among both these groups for smoking as well as smokeless tobacco products.