Psychosocial Factors Influencing Smokeless Tobacco Use by Teenage MilitaryDependents

摘要

This paper uses bivariate and logistic regression analysis to explore thepsychosocial correlates of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use in a sample of 2,257 teenage military dependents. Separate regression models for males and females were built to explain trial and use of SLT. Results show female and male triers share five factors regarding SLT use--parental approval, peer approval, having tried smoking, relatives who use SLT, and athletic team membership. Male trial of SLT was additionally found to be associated with race, difficulty in purchasing SLT, relatives who smoke, current smoking, and the belief that SLT can cause mouth cancer. Male use of SLT was found to be associated with race, seeing a dentist regularly, SLT counseling by a dentist, parental approval, trying and current smoking, and grade level. In all models, trying smoking was the strongest explanatory variable. Relatives and peers exert considerable influence on SLT use. Few triers or users had received SLT counseling from their dentist despite high dental utilization rates. Smokeless tobacco, Teenagers, Military dependents, Dental utilization.