Tobacco and the institutionalized mentally retarded: usage choices and ethical considerations.
Patterns of tobacco use were observed among 749 people diagnosed with mental retardation residing in a state-operated facility. Specifically, individual preference for tobacco products and frequency of use were documented. Subjects were observed using several types of tobacco products: cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, and cigarette butts. Approximately 7% (n = 52) used at least one form of tobacco; ten individuals used more than one tobacco product. Interestingly, 20.5% of the individuals diagnosed with mild or moderate mental retardation (n = 122) consumed tobacco products, a pattern of behavior that closely approximates that of the general population (20-24%). Ethical considerations pertaining to the availability of tobacco products to this special population are presented.
Burtner
A P
AP
Department of Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
Wakham
M D
MD
McNeal
D R
DR
Garvey
T P
TP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003071:Cognition; D003657:Decision Making; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities; D004995:Ethics, Professional; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency; D008875:Middle Aged; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D014030:Tobacco, Smokeless / Q000009:adverse effects