Tobacco use by Indiana children and adolescents.
Data from a five-year, longitudinal survey of cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use by Indiana children and adolescents are presented. A four-page, self-contained questionnaire was used to collect anonymous information from more than 240,000 students in grades six through 12. Indiana students reported prevalence levels 20% to 50% higher than levels reported in comparable national surveys. Perceived risk of physical or psychological harm was the single best statistical predictor of whether or not a student would choose to use tobacco. Tobacco use was statistically linked to increased use of illicit drugs. Physicians can play a powerful role in influencing a patient's perception of the risks associated with cigarette smoking.
Bailey
W J
WJ
Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, Bloomington 47405, USA.
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007196:Indiana / Q000453:epidemiology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention