Snuffing it Out: A Smokeless Tobacco Intervention with Athletes at a Small Private College

Abstract

This study assessed attitude, knowledge, and use of smokeless tobacco (moist snuff, dry snuff, or chewing tobacco) among male varsity athletes at a small private college. Forty-three athletes were surveyed and 17 (40%) were found to be current users. Of these users, 27% reported dipping more than once a day, everyday; 25% of all users had noticed physical changes, such as white spots, inside their mouths. The wide acceptance of using smokeless tobacco was clear from the finding that 49% of those surveyed believed that athletes should be allowed to use "chew" during practice. These athletes also showed limited knowledge of the nicotine content and physiological effects of smokeless tobacco. As a result of the study, the authors developed a two-part intervention that included an educational presentation and oral screening by a local dentist and an administrative directive enforcing the National Collegiate Athletic Association's policy on smokeless tobacco use. A follow-up survey indicated the intervention had had some positive effects on the athletes' attitudes toward and knowledge about using smokeless tobacco. The survey also showed an increase from 4 to 7 in the number of former users who said they had stopped using smokeless tobacco.