title: Snuffing it out: a smokeless tobacco intervention with athletes at a small private college.
abstract: This study assessed attitude, knowledge, and use of smokeless tobacco (moist snuff, dry snuff, or chewing tobacco) among male varsity athletes at a small private college. Forty-three athletes were surveyed and 17 (40%) were found to be current users. Of these users, 27% reported dipping more than once a day, everyday; 25% of all users had noticed physical changes, such as white spots, inside their mouths. The wide acceptance of using smokeless tobacco was clear from the finding that 49% of those surveyed believed that athletes should be allowed to use "chew" during practice. These athletes also showed limited knowledge of the nicotine content and physiological effects of smokeless tobacco. As a result of the study, the authors developed a two-part intervention that included an educational presentation and oral screening by a local dentist and an administrative directive enforcing the National Collegiate Athletic Association's policy on smokeless tobacco use. A follow-up survey indicated the intervention had had some positive effects on the athletes' attitudes toward and knowledge about using smokeless tobacco. The survey also showed an increase from 4 to 7 in the number of former users who said they had stopped using smokeless tobacco.
authors.affiliation: Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Darmody
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ehrich
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007972:Leukoplakia, Oral / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D010947:Plants, Toxic; D013177:Sports; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014030:Tobacco, Smokeless / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014495:Universities