Multidisciplinary Approach to Smoking Cessation in Late Adolescence: A Pilot Study

摘要

More than 80% of adult smokers begin using tobacco before reaching the age of 18 years, making youth smoking a serious public health epidemic.1 Since early development of nicotine dependence and exposure to its harmful health effects can be detrimental later in life, cessation interventions targeting youth are necessary.2 These cessation interventions are particularly necessary for youth aged 15 to 19 years because this age range is considered a significant period for the development of regular smoking. However, adolescents tend to underestimate the addictive nature of nicotine.3 They rarely attempt to quit smoking, and often use unassisted cessation methods when they do.