Cigarette smoking and cessation among trade or technical school students in Texas

Although students enrolled in trade or technical colleges are at an elevated risk for tobacco use, virtually no information exists regarding their smoking behaviors.

In the present study, the authors examined (1) the prevalence of smoking and quitting among 617 students in 2 trade or technical colleges in East Texas and (2) on-campus media exposure to antitobacco messages.

Students voluntary completed the 42-item Texas Trade and Technical School Tobacco Survey during a required introductory-level class.

Of the participating students, 34% reported past-30-day smoking (current smoking). Of current smokers, 74% reported a previous quit attempt and 64% wanted to quit before graduation. Although most current smokers expressed a desire to quit smoking, the antitobacco message they were least likely to see on campus was that regarding how to quit. Current smokers cited their own health as the most likely reason to quit smoking, and most reported wanting to quit on their own, without the use of resources. However, of the 9 listed resources, students were most likely to report the possible use of medication.

Given that most smoking students desire to quit smoking--and that they are enrolled in trade or technical schools for an extended period of time--additional research should examine how successful interventions can be delivered at the trade or technical school itself.