Prevalence and correlates of smokeless tobacco use in a sample of Connecticut students

We examined the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use, and its relationship to other risky behaviors in Connecticut school children in grades four through 12 (n=31,861). Less than one per cent of students in grades 4-8, and four per cent of those in grades 9-12, used smokeless tobacco. Eighty-two percent of all users were white males. Among high school males, the prevalences of risk-taking behaviors and feelings of stress and depression were significantly higher among users than non-users. Among high school males, the highest prevalences of risky behaviors and stress indicators were reported by joint users of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. (C) 2000 The Association for Professionals in Services for Adolescents.