Tobacco Use and Cessation Behavior Among Adolescents Participating in Organized Sports

Abstract

To examine the difference in tobacco use between adolescents who participate in organized sports and those who do not.Using a cross-sectional study design, this study uses data from a nationally representative sample of adolescents enrolled in public high schools in the United States.Those participating in organized sports were 25% less likely to be current cigarette smokers. However, smokeless tobacco use was found to be associated with participation in organized sports.Given the large proportion of students involved in organized sports, intervening through this venue to address tobacco use has the potential to reach significant numbers of adolescents.