Tobacco use among American adolescents: Geographic and demographic variations

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
James M. Eddy, Department Head and Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: A previous national study indicated that the South dominated other regions of the United States in tobacco use. Using the results of the Teenage Attitudes and Practices Survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, we examined the geographic and demographic differences of tobacco use among US adolescents. The sample consisted of teenagers in grades 7 through 12 nationwide (N = 6,599). Data were collected through telephone interviewing. The variables included demographics and measures of smoking or use of smokeless tobacco (chewing Tobacco/snuff). Results indicated that the overall prevalence rate for smokeless tobacco use was 4.44%, but in the South it was 6.38%. The overall smoking prevalence rate was 13.31%, with no substantial difference among regions. Demographic variables such as sex, ethnicity, education, and poverty levels were also related to tobacco use prevalence. These geographic and demographic variations in tobacco use help target specific regions and populations in greatest need of intervention programs.

Additional Information

Publication
Southern Medical Journal. 7, 6, 607-610
Language: English
Date: 1994
Keywords
Tobacco use, American adolescents, Geographic variations, Demographic variations

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