Tobacco use in northeastern Ontario teenagers: prevalence of use and associated factors.

Although health risks associated with the use of tobacco have been identified, little is known about tobacco use in Northeastern Ontario. Boys and girls aged 11 to 19 were located using a random telephone survey method. Of particular interest was the use of smokeless tobacco, since prevalence of use has increased in other Canadian locales. Respondents were assessed regarding demographic data, tobacco use, leisure interests and locus of control. Results indicated that current use of snuff and chewing tobacco is negligible in this population, although many teens (20.7%) are unaware of dangers associated with smokeless tobacco use. Cigarette smoking continues at a rate of 16.7%, even when dangers associated with smoking are known. Smoking was significantly associated with living in a two-parent household, teen employment and peer pressure.