Objectives. This study reports estimates of tobacco use among African American high school students in Mississippi which is regarded as a cardiovascular risk factor. The Youth Behavior Risk Survey (YRBS) and the Youth Tobacco Survey (YTC) are used to obtain estimates of the practices of African American students in Mississippi.
Methods. Data derived from the administration of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and the Youth Tobacco Survey (YTC) were examined. Students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in public and private high schools were assessed for behavior practices, and estimates were compared.
Results. Twenty-nine percent of African American students report using tobacco products (30.0% for public schools and 10.0% for private schools). Sixty-seven percent of African American students have tried smoking (71.4% for males and 64.4% for female). Fourteen percent of African American students began smoking before age 13(19.5% for males and 9.3% for females). Smoking among African American students was 26.5% in 1997, but dropped to 18.5% in 1999. African American students do not meet the Year 2000 objectives for a reduction in cigarette smoking among youths to 15%.
Conclusions. The results of this study suggest a trend toward a decrease in smoking among African American high school students over the last two years. Smoking is associated with negative changes in cardiovascular risk factors. Since disadvantaged communities are at high risk for developing cardiovascular disease, these results highlight the importance of developing environmental strategies to aid in eliminating such behaviors that contribute to cardiovascular risk.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize trends of tobacco use among African American high school students in Mississippi 2. Assess the practices of African American high school students in Mississippi in relation to the Year 2000 objectives. 3. Identify the numbers of African American students whose practices are considered at risk for health problems
Keywords: Adolescents, Smoking
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.