Despite successful primary tobacco prevention efforts, a significant number of youth continue to become regular, and likely addicted, smokers. With over a third of US high school students currently using tobacco, the need for cessation programs is evident. However, a paucity of information exists regarding youth cessation. This analysis of the first New Jersey Youth Tobacco Survey (NJYTS) provides valuable information on adolescent smoking behaviors and cessation. The NJYTS, conducted in the fall of 1999, reached over 16,000 middle and high school students statewide. Adolescents were categorized in various stages of smoking behavior: non smoker, experimenter, and established. Roughly 10% of students qualified as established smokers. Established smokers were more likely to be male (OR=1.1) and white (OR=1.4). Not surprisingly, the majority of established smokers were in high school; a small, but alarming, proportion (9%) were in middle school. More than half expressed an interest in quitting and had a serious quit attempt in the past year. Self efficacy among those wanting to quit was low. Nicotine dependence was notable, with over a third indicating they can not go more than 3 hours before needing a cigarette. Stage of change was significantly correlated with attitudes towards the positive and negative consequence of smoking. Lastly, more than half reported that a clinician did not ask about their smoking behavior in the past year. This presentation will summarize the youth cessation data from the NJYTS, discuss the implications of the findings, and make recommendations for future cessation activities for youth.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Recognize the importance of cessation programs for youth 2. Describe the cessation findings from the NJYTS 3. Recommend appropriate programs for youth cessation
Keywords: Tobacco, Youth
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.