The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #44447

Ian Newman, PhD, Duane Shell, PhD, and Brian Stagg, BA. Health and Human Performance, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Box 880229, Lincoln, NE 68588-0229, (402)472-3844, inewman1@unl.edu

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of adolescents’ expectancies about smokeless tobacco (chew) on their chewing. A questionnaire asking participants to rate their expectancies about chew was given to 978 high school students (M=518; F=458; Unknown=2). Using a 50% sample split, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted and identified 4 positive factors (safety and convenience relative to smoking, physical pleasure, effects on peers, and image) and one negative consequences factor. Using dependent t-tests (p < .01), we found that chewers had significantly higher positive and lower negative expectancies than non-chewers. Examining student demographic characteristics with dependent t-tests (p < .01), we found significantly higher positive and lower negative expectancies for males, students who smoked, and students with peers who smoked or chewed. Students with a family member who chewed had significantly higher positive expectancies. Family history of smoking had no effects. We conducted regression analysis (p < .01) to predict students’ intention to chew in the next year. Expectancies significantly predicted intention to chew, R=.64, R2=.41. Expectancies for physical pleasure, effects on peers, and negative consequences were significant in the model. Expectancies continued to significantly predict intention to chew, R2 change=.22, even after controlling for gender, student smoking, peer chewing and smoking, and family history of chewing or smoking. Findings suggest that public health education and prevention programs should address students’ expectancies about chew as a way to impact use and intentions.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participants will be able to

• describe the smokeless tobacco expectancies of high school students
• identify the relationship of smokeless tobacco expectancies and gender, smoking behavior, peer group smoking/chewing behavior
• explain how smokeless tobacco expectancies predict smokeless tobacco use after controlling for gender, smoking behavior, peer chewing and smoking, and family history of smoking and chewing

Keywords: Spit Tobacco, Adolescents

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.