Interventions in medical practice to reduce tobacco use among adolescents

Abstract

Interventions to facilitate prevention of tobacco use and smoking cessation are the most cost-effective health care measures. They are invaluable among adolescents, since adult smokers start smoking in adolescence. There is evidence that early smoking initiation makes cessation difficult and it is associated with lifelong health risks. Our study aims at reviewing current approaches and interventions that can help health care professionals involved in paediatric care to reduce tobacco use in adolescence. International guidelines include short, practical interventions that are easy to apply by health care professionals in the primary and paediatric care. In tobacco use prevention, the role of health care professionals is of special importance. They have social respect, therefore they can provide credible information on tobacco use and cessation. Studies have found that short, goal-oriented counselling can further reduce the prevalence of smoking among adolescents presenting to their health care professional. Reduction of tobacco use is one of the primary health care goals in the 21st century, which should be started as early as childhood and adolescence. There have been several evidence-based approaches, which are essential for health care professionals involved in adolescent care. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(15): 593-602.