Prevalence and correlates of smokeless tobacco use in a sample of Connecticut students

Abstract

We examined the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use, and its relationship to other risky behaviors in Connecticut school children in grades four through 12 (n=31,861). Less than one per cent of students in grades 4–8, and four per cent of those in grades 9–12, used smokeless tobacco. Eighty-two percent of all users were white males. Among high school males, the prevalences of risk-taking behaviors and feelings of stress and depression were significantly higher among users than non-users. Among high school males, the highest prevalences of risky behaviors and stress indicators were reported by joint users of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.