Smokeless tobacco use among rural high school students in Arkansas

This study determined the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use among high school students in selected rural communities in Arkansas, and identified factors associated with initiation and maintenance of use. A questionnaire was distributed to 1,237 students in 13 rural high schools in different educational service regions of Arkansas during spring 1985. Results indicated 34.5% of males and 2.5% of females reported regular use of smokeless tobacco. The factor contributing most to initiation of this practice was the influence of a parent who used smokeless tobacco products. Comparisons to other recent studies and implications for health educators are discussed.