PURPOSE: To investigate whether knowledge of the risks and properties of tobacco among adolescents influences their future use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in different directions. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 2581 adolescents whose knowledge of tobacco was assessed in the sixth grade by means of a multi-item scale. Tobacco use was assessed by annual surveys up to the ninth grade. RESULTS: Knowledge level was not associated with future use. Items dealing with addictive properties of nicotine were prospectively associated with smokeless tobacco ("snus") use only. CONCLUSIONS: A high level of knowledge of the risks associated with tobacco is not a predictor of future nonuse or of a shift to smokeless tobacco rather than cigarettes. Attitudes and expectations may determine knowledge rather than vice versa.
PURPOSE: To investigate whether knowledge of the risks and properties of tobacco among adolescents influences their future use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in different directions. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 2581 adolescents whose knowledge of tobacco was assessed in the sixth grade by means of a multi-item scale. Tobacco use was assessed by annual surveys up to the ninth grade. RESULTS: Knowledge level was not associated with future use. Items dealing with addictive properties of nicotine were prospectively associated with smokeless tobacco ("snus") use only. CONCLUSIONS: A high level of knowledge of the risks associated with tobacco is not a predictor of future nonuse or of a shift to smokeless tobacco rather than cigarettes. Attitudes and expectations may determine knowledge rather than vice versa.
Authors: Petra Dermota; Jen Wang; Michelle Dey; Gerhard Gmel; Joseph Studer; Meichun Mohler-Kuo Journal: Int J Public Health Date: 2013-07-11 Impact factor: 3.380