Prevalence and predictors of smokeless tobacco use: Iowa's program against smoking

Data from surveys of adolescents were analyzed so that we could determine the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use and identify and compare the concurrent correlates of its use and cigarette smoking. Panel data from seventh through eleventh and eighth through twelfth graders between 1980 and 1984 and cross-sectional data from seventh graders in 1980 and 1985 suggest that boys are more likely to use SLT than are girls and that the boys' use has increased with age and over time. Concurrent correlates of seventh-grade boys' and girls' SLT use and cigarette smoking were identified with discriminant analyses. Predictors of smokeless tobacco use were compared with those of weekly smoking for boys and girls separately. Predictors of use by boys were also compared with those by girls. Trying alcohol and the other form of tobacco were the only predictors that related to the use of either form by boys and girls. Differences among other predictors were noted and their implications for prevention are discussed.