05/14/2010 Tobacco use among middle and high school students

Resident: J. Hencler
Date: 05/14/2010

Article title: Tobacco use among middle and high school students

Source: CDC/MMWR 11/14/2003, 52(45); 1096-1098, 2002

Major topic: Tobacco use

Type of Article: Survey

Background:
Each day in the US, approximately 4,400 youths aged 12-17 years try their first cigarette. An estimated 1/3 of these young smokers are expected to die from a smoking-related disease.

Main Purpose: Assess tobacco use among middle and high school students.

Overview of method of research:
246 schools participated in the survey, which included 26,119 students (12,581 middle school students and 13,538 high school students)

Findings:
Both tobacco and cigarette smoking among high school students (9-12) decreased 18% during 2000-2002, however a decrease among middle school (grades 6-8) was not significant.

Key points in the article discussion:
The decline in cigarette smoking and tobacco use among high school students has reflected reflects a downward national trend since 1997 but a decrease among middle school students was not significant. Why middle school and high school students appear to be responding differently to the current anti-smoking environment is not clear. The findings in this study are subject to two limitations. First, these data only apply to youth who attended middle school or high school and are not representative of all youths in these age groups. Second, the data were from self-reports of survey participants. The data in this report suggest that further refinements in evidence-based strategies will be needed to decrease tobacco use among middle school students. 1) Devising more targeted and effective media campaigns, 2) reducing depictions of tobacco use in entertainment media, 3) instituting campaigns to discourage family and friends from providing cigarettes to youths, 4) promoting smoke-free home, 5) instituting comprehensive school-based programs and policies in conjunction with supportive community activities, and 6) decreasing the number of adult smokers to present more non-smoking role models.

Summary of conclusions:
Because tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the US, efforts to reduce tobacco use must remain a public health priority. Preventing tobacco use among youth is essential to reduce future smoke-related illness and associated costs. However, in 2003, states cut spending for tobacco use prevention and control programs by $86.2 million. For the decline in tobacco use among youth in the US to continue, such funding must be restored and perhaps expanded.

Assessment of article:
Good info, nothing new. Good to see tobacco use is declining though.