Predictors of smokeless tobacco use among students: a preliminary multivariate analysis

Smokeless tobacco use is increasing among today's youth. The purpose of this study was to determine if certain factors could predict the use of smokeless tobacco by 7th and 10th grade students in the deep South of the United States of America. In addition, we were interested in finding out if these factors would be different for 7th versus 10th graders. Questionnaires were administered to 2961 7th and 10th grade students in 16 schools in the South-east (81% response rate). Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was used to model and analyze the predictive power of the independent variables. Our analysis indicated (i) use of smokeless tobacco by their ‘best friend’ and (ii) the number of close friends who use smokeless tobacco were the two most important factors of whether an individual was a user or a non-user. In addition, predictive factors appear to be different for 7th grade males as compared to 10th grade males. Conclusions are drawn as to the relative needs and emphasis of prevention programs in this area of smokeless tobacco use