Smokeless Tobacco Characteristics in Rural Ohio Appalachians
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Date
2004-06
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
While research on tobacco consumption is plentiful, research regarding smokeless tobacco (ST) is limited. Appalachia is known to have a high ST use prevalence, yet little is known about the ST use characteristics of this at-risk group. The purpose of this study was to describe the ST use characteristics of rural Ohio Appalachians. The research questions were: 1) What is the relationship between ST consumption and depression among current ST users?; 2) What is the relationship between age of initiation and nicotine dependence among current ST users? and 3) What is the relationship between ST consumption and nicotine dependence among current ST users? This project was a secondary analysis of a study that used a quasi-experimental design. A total of 261 male subjects from two rural Appalachian counties in Ohio participated. Subjects were recruited by project personnel at various county events. Subjects participated in an oral examination and a face-to-face interview was then completed by a project staff member. Depression was measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Nicotine dependence was measured using the perceived nicotine dependent scale. No correlation was found between amount of ST consumption and depression. The correlation between age of initiation of ST use and nicotine dependence was found to be significant with a correlation value of -0.213 (p-value). The correlation between ST consumption and nicotine dependence was found to be significant with a correlation value of 0.529 (p-value). Major conclusions that were drawn from this research project include; the earlier a person started using ST, the more dependent he reported himself to be, and persons who reported higher ST consumption also reported higher nicotine dependence. Further research should examine the risks for initiation of ST use at young ages, and how these risks affect the level of adult dependence. All clinicians, especially those who practice in primary health care settings with Appalachian youth and adults should be trained to identify ST users, and receive education about effective ST cessation.
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Keywords
Smokeless Tobacco, Ohio Appalachia