Adolescent smoking cessation: how effective have we been?

Adolescent smoking, at its current rate, is considered a pediatric epidemic, with 3,000 youths less than 18 years of age becoming regular smokers each day (Johnson, O'Malley, & Bachman, 1998). The reasons adolescents begin and continue to smoke are multifactorial. There is a paucity of research describing effective adolescent smoking-cessation programs. Much of the research on adolescent tobacco use has focused on correlates and prevention of onset, rather than on intervention with active smokers. Current research indicates that 75% of adolescents who currently smoke want to quit. It is essential that nurses involved with adolescent health promotion become active in smoking-cessation efforts. This article describes the risk factors for adolescent smoking and identifies smoking-cessation strategies, with interventions specific to the adolescent population.